From 9-12 February 2026, Enterprise France will showcase French experience on the Mining Indaba 2026 convention in Cape City, South Africa. This important occasion for mining in Africa will collect over 10 500 guests and 1200 exhibitors from world wide.
Africa: A Strategic Marketplace for Mining in a New Period of Power Transition and Industrialisation
As world demand for important minerals accelerates – pushed by the power transition, electrification, and digitalisation – Africa continues to place itself as a strategic mining vacation spot and a accomplice within the diversification of worldwide provide chains. Whereas notable challenges resembling infrastructure gaps, expertise shortages and regulatory harmonisation stay, the continent’s distinctive mineral endowment locations it on the centre of worldwide provide chains for batteries, renewable power applied sciences and superior manufacturing.
Unlocking the complete potential of Africa’s mining and pure sources sector requires robust partnerships between governments, business gamers, monetary establishments and know-how suppliers. Public authorities play a pivotal function by strengthening governance frameworks, supporting native worth addition, investing in resilient infrastructure, and selling transparency and accountable mining practices.
“Mining in Africa is getting into a brand new section, the place partnerships should assist not solely manufacturing, but additionally industrial growth, resilience and long-term worth creation,” says Stéfane Leny, Trade Head at Enterprise France in Southern Africa. “France has a job to play by aligning its experience with Africa’s ambitions in important minerals, power transition and industrial capability constructing.”
Advancing Worldwide Cooperation for a Future-Prepared Mining Sector
One of many defining challenges for the mining sector in 2026 is the energy-mining nexus. Rising power prices, grid constraints and decarbonisation targets are accelerating the adoption of hybrid and renewable power options for mining operations. Throughout Africa, mining corporations are investing in low carbon options to safe energy provide, cut back emissions and enhance operational resilience. Water shortage and local weather variability are additionally more and more defining mining funding choices, whereas digitalisation and automation are reshaping mining practices. In parallel, governments and financiers are demanding larger transparency, traceability and measurable affect throughout environmental and social efficiency.
“Our focus is on strengthening France’s mining footprint in Africa by creating concrete alternatives for collaboration between French corporations and native mining ecosystems,” explains Leny. He provides that Enterprise France’s function is to facilitate connections, assist market entry, and allow French companies to interact with key decision-makers throughout the African mining sector. “By strengthening cooperation round important minerals, clear power, know-how and expertise, Africa is positioning itself as a cornerstone of resilient world provide chains, whereas France reaffirms its dedication as a long-term accomplice within the continent’s mining and industrial growth.”
Staff France at Mining Indaba 2026 will carry collectively Enterprise France, the French Ministry for Europe and International Affairs, the European Union, and a delegation of French private-sector companions specialising in mining, power, infrastructure and industrial companies.
The France Pavilion: Innovation, Sustainability and Experience
By means of its presence on the occasion, Enterprise France goals to spotlight France’s contribution to progressive, environment friendly and accountable mining options. The France Pavilion will host a number of main French corporations, together with Natixis, Conductix-Wampfler, Daron Group, DNA Blast Group, Forvis Mazars and Friedlander Worldwide. Their experience spans financing, engineering, operational gear, blasting options and industrial companies, providing African companions entry to confirmed applied sciences and undertaking know-how throughout the mining worth chain.
The France Pavilion (Stand 1U51) will probably be situated inside the European Union Pavilion.
