Seiso Mohai Confirmed as Speaker at African Mining Week 2026

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Seiso Joel Mohai, has been confirmed as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, which will take place in Cape Town from October 14 to 16.

Mohai’s participation comes as South Africa works to strengthen the competitiveness of its mining sector and increase its contribution to economic growth, employment, energy security and industrial development.

As Deputy Minister, Mohai is involved in monitoring government performance and the implementation of national development priorities. His participation at AMW is expected to focus on policy implementation, investment priorities and efforts to improve the performance of South Africa’s mining industry.

South Africa targets mining growth

South Africa aims to increase mining’s contribution to 12% of GDP by 2030. The sector contributed R439.2 billion to the economy in 2025, representing 5.8% of GDP.

The government sees significant potential for further growth through exploration, infrastructure development and greater value addition.

South Africa is also seeking to attract R2 trillion in private investment to develop its critical minerals industry and unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore resources.

Earlier this year, the Junior Miners Exploration Fund reached R600 million after receiving a R300 million contribution from Anglo American. Fourteen exploration projects have already benefited from the fund.

With South Africa seeking to maintain its leading position in platinum group metals and chrome production, effective planning, monitoring and policy implementation will be critical.

Mining reforms and infrastructure

The government is also introducing reforms aimed at improving the investment environment.

South Africa plans to move all nine provinces onto a new online mining cadastre by March 2027. The system is expected to provide investors with more transparent access to geological information and mining rights.

Infrastructure development is another priority. Government is targeting an increase in annual rail freight volumes from about 180 million tonnes to 250 million tonnes by 2030.

Improved rail capacity would support the movement and export of coal, bulk commodities and critical minerals, while helping address some of the logistical constraints facing the mining industry.

At African Mining Week 2026, Mohai is expected to participate in keynote sessions, high-level panel discussions and networking engagements. He will provide updates on South Africa’s mining reforms and outline the government’s strategy for accelerating sustainable growth in the sector.

His participation comes at a critical time for South Africa as the country seeks to attract new investment, expand mineral exploration and strengthen its position in the global critical minerals market