African Mining Regulators Launch Forum to Strengthen Continental Cooperation

African mining regulators have launched the African Minerals Regulatory Authorities Forum (AFMRA), a new platform aimed at strengthening cooperation, improving regulatory frameworks and supporting sustainable mineral development across the continent.

The forum was launched in Cairo by Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, during the Egypt Mining Forum 2026, held on 28–29 September. The event brought together mining officials and regulators from several African countries, including representatives of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) and Egypt’s Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority (MRMIA).

Badawi said the new forum would create a permanent platform for regulators to exchange expertise, share best practices and discuss mining legislation and policy development. He noted that the initiative seeks to improve alignment between national mining regulations while respecting the sovereignty of individual countries.

He added that stronger regulatory institutions are essential to improve geological data management, licensing systems, mining records, transparency and governance. According to Badawi, these measures can help African countries move beyond the export of raw minerals and support greater processing and manufacturing within the continent.

Yasser Ramadan, Chairman of MRMIA, said Africa’s significant mineral potential requires robust regulatory institutions and stable investment conditions. He noted that AFMRA would facilitate the exchange of technical expertise and field experience while promoting greater coordination among African mining authorities.

Participants at the forum also discussed establishing a permanent technical mechanism under AFMRA to maintain ongoing cooperation and developing systems to improve mineral traceability, including tracking mineral sources, movements and supply chains.

The launch of AFMRA comes amid broader efforts by African countries to capture greater value from their mineral resources through local beneficiation, stronger governance and improved investment frameworks.

Egypt Mining Forum 2026, which organisers said was expected to attract more than 6,000 participants from over 50 countries, focused on issues including mineral licensing, project financing, mineral processing and investment opportunities.

Source: Egypt Oil & Gas