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IOL News
02-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Women leaders set to redefine Africa's mining sector at African Mining Week 2025
African Mining Week 2025 will spotlight gender inclusivity and the role of women in driving Africa's mining transformation Image: Freepik As the landscape of Africa's mining sector undergoes a profound transformation, women are emerging as crucial decision-makers, driving change and innovation across the continent. African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, set to take place from October 1–3 in Cape Town, will proudly feature a dedicated Women in Leadership Forum, a pivotal gathering aimed at connecting female leaders across the mining value chain with global investors and strategic partners. The forum promises to be a vibrant space for dialogue and collaboration, showcasing the vital role women play in fostering policy reforms, attracting investment, and leading significant enterprises in the mining industry. Among the notable leaders making strides in this arena is Bogolo Kenewendo, Botswana's Minister of Mining. Under her leadership, Botswana is experiencing a surge in structural reforms designed to strengthen investor partnerships, particularly in the diamond sector. In a landmark move, Botswana recently signed a groundbreaking diamond sales agreement with De Beers that will see the nation's stake in the Debswana joint venture increase from 25% to 50% over the next decade. This deal not only underlines Botswana's commitment to enhancing its diamond value chain but also underscores the critical contribution of diamonds to the nation's economy, where the sector accounts for a staggering 80% of exports and 25% of gross domestic product (GDP). In Uganda, a similar wave of change is being driven by Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa. She is actively forging strategic partnerships to revitalise the nation's mineral sector. March 2025 marked a historic moment as Uganda signed its first-ever Mineral Production Sharing Agreement aimed at revamping the Kilembe copper mines with Sarrai Group Limited and Nile Fibreboard Limited. Moreover, Uganda is poised to embark on its first commercial rare earth production at the Makuutu Project, a venture developed in association with Ionic Rare Earths, with operations anticipated to commence in 2026. Meanwhile, in Malawi, Minister of Mining, Monica Chang'anamuno, is championing diversification efforts in the country's mineral portfolio while simultaneously enhancing governance within the sector. According to estimates by the World Bank, Malawi stands to benefit significantly, with potential mineral revenues projected to reach $30 billion between 2026 and 2040, driven by developing uranium, graphite, and rare earth projects. In line with this progression, Lotus Resources is targeting initial uranium production at the Kayelekera Mine in Q3 2025, and the country recently established its inaugural Mining Regulatory Authority to streamline approvals and accelerate project development. The growing influence of women extends beyond public office and into the private sector, where female executives are driving the energy industry's evolution. Kelly Ayuk Mealia, Chairperson and Co-founder of Energy Capital & Power, is a leading advocate for investment and project development across the continent. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕
Zawya
30-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Mining Week 2025 to Feature Women in Leadership Forum
As women take on increasingly influential roles in shaping the future of Africa's mining sector, African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 – taking place from October 1–3 in Cape Town – will host a dedicated Women in Leadership Forum. This platform will bring together female leaders from across the mining value chain, connecting them with global investors, strategic partners and emerging project opportunities. Women are playing a pivotal role in transforming the continent's mining industry – championing policy reforms, driving investment, leading major companies,and advancing mineral diversification. Bogolo Kenewendo, Botswana's Minister of Mining, is spearheading structural reforms aimed at strengthening investor partnerships and expanding the country's diamond value chain. In February 2025, Botswana signed a landmark diamond sales agreement with De Beers, doubling its share of rough diamonds from the Debswana joint venture from 25% to 50% over the next decade. The agreement also extended Debswana's mining license by 25 years, reinforcing the continued contribution of diamonds to Botswana's economy, where the sector accounts for 80% of exports and 25% of GDP. In Uganda, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, is driving strategic partnerships to revitalize the country's mineral sector. In March 2025, Uganda signed its first-ever Mineral Production Sharing Agreement for the redevelopment of the Kilembe copper mines with Sarrai Group Limited and Nile Fibreboard Limited. Uganda is also progressing toward its first commercial rare earth production at the Makuutu Project, developed in partnership with Ionic Rare Earths, with operations expected to begin in 2026. Malawi's Minister of Mining, Monica Chang'anamuno, is leading efforts to diversify the country's mineral portfolio and enhance sector governance. The World Bank estimates that Malawi could earn up to $30 billion in mineral revenues between 2026 and 2040, driven by uranium, graphite and rare earth developments. Lotus Resources is targeting initial uranium production at the Kayelekera Mine in Q3 2025. Additionally, Malawi established its first-ever Mining Regulatory Authority in late 2024 to streamline approvals and accelerate project development. Beyond the public sector, female executives are also steering the energy industry's evolution. Kelly Ayuk Mealia, Chairperson and Co-founder of Energy Capital&Power – the organizer of African Mining Week – is a vocal advocate for investment and project development across the continent. Marie-Chantal Kaninda, President of Glencore DRC, plays a strategic role in maintaining the DRC's global leadership in cobalt and copper. Nolitha Fakude, Chairperson of Anglo American South Africa, is a prominent voice on ESG and diversity, while Nombasa Tsengwa, CEO of Exxaro Resources, leads one of South Africa's top coal producers. Other notable women in leadership include Elizabeth Rogo, CEO of Tsavo Oilfield Services (Kenya); Naomi Biney, CEO of Goldridge Ghana Limited (Ghana); and Nneka Ezeigwe, CEO of Eta Zuma Mining and Industries (Nigeria). The Women in Leadership Forum at AMW 2025 will highlight how women are not only contributing to the industry – but actively redefining it for a more inclusive and sustainable future. African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
