Egypt Calls for African Mining Alliance to Boost Local Mineral Processing

Egypt is calling for stronger cooperation among African countries to increase the value generated from the continent’s mineral resources through local processing, technology transfer and investment in manufacturing.

Industry Minister Khaled Hashem outlined the proposal on October 17 at the opening of African Mining Week 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa. He said a coordinated African mining strategy could support new industries, create skilled jobs and attract investment while allowing countries to retain a greater share of the economic benefits from their mineral wealth.

Egypt was represented at the event by Mohamed Zada, Assistant Minister for Strategic Industries.

Hashem highlighted Egypt’s efforts to strengthen mining partnerships across Africa, including its hosting of the Egypt Mining Forum in September and the organisation of the El Alamein Africa Forum. These initiatives form part of the country’s broader engagement with African economies on mining and industrial development.

He argued that the success of Africa’s mining sector should not be measured solely by the volume of minerals extracted, but also by the industries established, employment created and community development supported by mining activities.

Hashem called on governments, mining companies and investors to work together to expand local manufacturing, strengthen industrial capacity and retain more value within African economies. He added that Egypt was prepared to contribute its industrial expertise, skilled workforce and strategic partnerships to support these objectives.

Greater cooperation could also help African countries build more integrated supply chains, improve industrial competitiveness and reduce reliance on exporting unprocessed mineral resources.

Separately, Zada participated in a panel discussion titled “Creating Value Addition for Africa”, which examined ways to strengthen links between mining and manufacturing, improve regional cooperation and encourage sustainable industrial development.

The panel included Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Monica Musenero, and Guinea’s Deputy Industry Minister, Daouda Dakita.

The discussions reflect a wider push across Africa to move beyond raw mineral exports towards domestic processing and manufacturing. For resource-rich countries, developing these capabilities could support job creation, technology transfer and stronger local industries, provided that investment, infrastructure and reliable energy supplies are available.

Egypt’s proposed mining alliance would seek to build on these opportunities by encouraging African countries to cooperate more closely on industrial investment and mineral value addition.