This article was produced with the support of Mining Indaba
What are you anticipating at Indaba 2026?
We expect another record year. Over 70 percent of the exhibition space was sold within weeks of 2025 closing, signalling strong trust and demand. Delegates return because Mining Indaba consistently delivers value through access to deal-making in the Investment Village, a broader Ministerial Symposium, and Partnership Spotlights where ministers and CEOs engage in solution focused conversations.
How successful was Mining Indaba 2025 and what resonated most with delegates?
Mining Indaba 2025 was a transformative year. It gathered 58 ministers, 1,400 government officials, 625 speakers, and more than 10,500 delegates from 122 countries.
Content struck a balance between policy, innovation, and community. The theme “Future Proofing African Mining, Today” framed conversations across generations and sectors. Delegates praised actionable sessions, inclusive forums, and high impact networking.
The investor experience was strong with over-subscribed matchmaking sessions and the Investment Village creating new partnerships.
Diversity and inclusion stood out, with indigenous and community voices centred, while women accounted for around 40 percent of speakers.
Women’s representation was strengthened by the Women in Mining lounge and partnerships with WIMSA and AWIMA.
Youth and PhD voices were integrated through the Young Leaders programme and university partnerships, ensuring future leaders had a seat at the table.
Downstream buyer attendance more than doubled over 2024, connecting mining to battery, automotive, and renewable sectors. CEO panels drew high engagement and reasserted Indaba as a stage for thought leadership.
For 2026, we are expanding community content and have launched an influencer campaign to deepen engagement and amplify voices across Africa.
What are some highlights and new features for Mining Indaba 2026?
Under the theme “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships”, Mining Indaba 2026 is our boldest edition yet. Key features include: a Critical Minerals Programme exploring Africa’s strategic role in the global energy transition, backed by the Critical Minerals Committee and DMPR; Partnership Spotlights highlighting candid minister and CEO dialogues; and a Downstream Buyers Programme connecting automotive, aerospace, chemical, and renewable sectors to drive local beneficiation.
The Pitstop Networking Space will be a casual, high energy hub for organic deal-making; Industry Intel will feature interactive theatres and roundtables with sharp, data driven insights; the Junior Mining Showcase will spotlight Africa’s next generation of projects, offering visibility and investor connection.
A Technology Showcase will feature global innovators demonstrating how Africa can adopt and scale new technology; expanded CEO Participation will include leaders from Harmony, Exxaro, Valterra, and Thungela; and enhanced community engagement will give communities a stronger platform through dedicated programming, cultural heritage, and legacy development.
Sustainability is woven through every programme, not isolated as a standalone topic.
What is the significance of the 2026 theme, and why was it chosen?
“Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships” reflects the moment; it’s a call to action for the entire value chain to collaborate, innovate, and invest in Africa’s long-term growth story. The future of mining in Africa depends on how effectively we work together.
In today’s shifting geopolitical landscape, why is Mining Indaba more important than ever?
Africa is no longer just a supplier of raw materials. It holds the keys to global decarbonisation, industrialisation, and energy security. With new trade blocs forming and resource nationalism reshaping supply chains, MI26 will be the place where Africa asserts itself as a strategic partner, not a passive participant.
What impact do you hope Indaba 2026 will have?
I want MI26 to be remembered as the year African mining set a new course. Where collaboration replaced silos, where youth voices reshaped the conversation, and where technology and sustainability were not side notes but the headline. If delegates leave feeling they were part of a turning point – that’s when we know we’ve succeeded. Africa holds the keys to industrialisation, decarbonisation, and global security. As resource nationalism, trade blocs, and geopolitical tensions reshape supply chains, Mining Indaba 2026 becomes the place where Africa speaks with one voice: bold, unified, and future-focused. The convening power of Mining Indaba is unmatched.
By bringing every stakeholder including governments, investors, miners, buyers, communities, and innovators into one room, we can shape the future of mining together.