African Mining Week 2026 to Spotlight Gold Sector Growth as Investment Accelerates Across Africa

African Mining Week (AMW) 2026 will place the future of Africa’s gold industry at the centre of discussions as governments, mining companies and investors explore strategies to increase production, strengthen investment and maximise the continent’s growing role in the global gold market.

Scheduled for 14–16 October 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, the conference will feature a dedicated session examining the policies, partnerships and capital investments driving Africa’s next phase of gold sector development.

Industry Leaders to Discuss Gold Expansion

One of the event’s key sessions, “Expanding Africa’s Gold Output,” will bring together senior industry leaders to discuss opportunities for increasing gold production, formalising artisanal mining and attracting long-term investment across the value chain.

The panel will be moderated by Matt Banton, Head of Mining at Moore Global, and feature Fousseni Togola, President of the Mali Chamber of Mines, alongside Benford Mokoatle, Executive Vice President for South Africa at Gold Fields.

Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening mining policies, improving investment frameworks and supporting sustainable growth across Africa’s gold industry.

Strong Gold Prices Support Sector Growth

The conference comes at a time when the global gold market continues to benefit from historically strong prices, with gold trading above US$4,000 per ounce throughout 2026.

Demand has remained robust as central banks worldwide continue increasing their gold reserves to diversify foreign exchange holdings and strengthen financial resilience.

Across Africa, countries including Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Egypt and Namibia have expanded official gold purchasing programmes, creating additional demand while supporting domestic mining industries.

Mali Strengthens Gold Sector Reforms

Mali is implementing significant reforms aimed at maintaining annual gold production above 60 metric tonnes while improving governance across the mining sector.

In July 2026, the government established the Malian Office of Precious Substances, a new state institution tasked with regulating and formalising artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities across approximately 400 mining sites that collectively employ nearly two million people.

The country is also strengthening collaboration with major mining companies, including Barrick, B2Gold, Toubani Resources and Cora Gold, as part of broader efforts to attract investment and sustain long-term production growth.

During the conference, Togola is expected to outline how the Mali Chamber of Mines is supporting these reforms while highlighting emerging investment opportunities throughout the country’s gold industry.

South Africa Expands Exploration Investment

South Africa is also taking steps to revitalise its gold mining industry through increased exploration funding and long-term capital investment.

Earlier this year, the government expanded the Junior Mining Exploration Fund to R600 million, providing greater financial support for junior exploration companies and encouraging new mineral discoveries.

Gold Fields has also committed R1.714 billion through 2027 to deepen operations at its flagship South Deep Mine, extending the mine’s production potential well beyond 2030.

Mokoatle is expected to provide insights into the company’s long-term investment strategy and explain how technological innovation and sustained capital expenditure are helping strengthen South Africa’s gold production capacity.

Platform for Investment and Partnerships

As African governments continue implementing reforms to unlock greater value from their mineral resources, African Mining Week 2026 is expected to serve as a key platform for connecting mining companies, investors, policymakers and service providers.

The event aims to promote new partnerships, encourage investment and support strategies that will enhance production, improve governance and strengthen Africa’s position as one of the world’s leading gold-producing regions.