Malawi, Kenya and Eswatini to Showcase Mining Investment Opportunities at AMW 2026

State-owned mining companies from Malawi, Kenya and Eswatini will showcase their mining investment priorities and project pipelines at the National Mining Companies Forum during African Mining Week (AMW) 2026.

The participation of Malawi Mining Investment Company (MAMICO), Kenya’s National Mining Corporation (NAMICO) and Eswatini Solid Minerals Company highlights growing efforts by African governments to attract capital into locally led mining projects while increasing domestic processing and mineral value addition.

Malawi is seeking to develop a stronger pipeline of commercially viable mining and processing projects covering gold, graphite, rare earths, limestone and other strategic minerals. MAMICO’s participation comes as the country focuses on geological de-risking, feasibility studies and investment partnerships.

A mining roadmap developed by the Malawian government and the World Bank projects that mineral exports could generate up to $30 billion between 2026 and 2040, underlining the scale of the country’s ambitions.

MAMICO Chief Executive Officer Leonard Kalindekafe will lead the company’s delegation at the forum, where it is expected to engage potential investors and technical partners.

Kenya is also seeking to significantly expand the contribution of mining to the national economy, with a target of raising the sector’s share of GDP to 10% by 2030.

The country is positioning copper, chromite, gold, fluorspar, rare earths and other strategic minerals as part of a broader drive to increase exploration, beneficiation and downstream processing.

Kenya’s draft Minerals, Mining and Beneficiation Policy 2026 provides a framework for this expansion, while several projects are progressing. These include the West Kenya Gold Project, the Migori Tailings Project, renewed fluorspar activity in the Kerio Valley and the proposed development of the Mrima Hill Niobium and Rare Earth Project, where six international companies are reportedly competing for the opportunity.

NAMICO, led by CEO Joseph Kitilit, is expected to use the forum to promote state-backed partnerships and joint ventures across the country’s growing mining pipeline.

Eswatini is meanwhile seeking to revive and expand its mining industry through exploration and development of coal, gold, iron ore and other mineral resources.

The government confirmed in July that it had secured a mining partner to begin formal gold extraction. Under the planned arrangement, domestically produced gold will be purchased by the state and held as part of the country’s national reserves.

Eswatini has also allocated E6.13 million for additional surveys and feasibility work on mineral targets identified through its geological exploration programme.

The National Mining Companies Forum will examine how state-owned mining institutions can operate as commercial partners capable of developing projects, attracting capital and advancing domestic beneficiation.

Discussions will include investment-ready project pipelines, financing requirements and the development of critical mineral value chains across Africa.

AMW 2026 is scheduled for 14–16 October under the theme “Mining the Future: Unearthing Africa’s Full Mineral Value.” The participation of MAMICO, NAMICO and Eswatini Solid Minerals Company is expected to give investors direct access to emerging mining opportunities while strengthening the focus on African-led mineral development.