Latest news with #RuthNankabirwa
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.
Zawya
25-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Uganda Pearl of Africatrade Expo Opens in Malaysia
The Pearl of Africa Business Forum and Expo has opened in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with Uganda set on securing trade and investment potential of around USD 5 billion over the next five years. A high powered delegation led by the Finance Minister Hon. Matia Kasaija, comprises Energy Minister Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Agriculture Minister in charge of Animal Husbandry, Hon Bright Rwamirama, Uganda's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Amb Betty O. Bigombe, Chamber of Commerce- President Olive Kigongo, Senior Presidential Adviser on Exports-Mrs. Susan Muhwezi and Chief of Protocol, Amb Charles Ssentongo, The opening ceremony was graced by Hon. Yang Bhg Muhtar Hashim, the Executive Director of the Chemical Industries Council of Malasyia. Muhtar informed the audience of the immense opportunities that Malaysia will tap into the various to drive trade between the two countries. Speaking at the same Ceremony, Hon. Matia Kasaija said Uganda has a conducive climate investment that supports the most important needs of investors across board, including the legal framework. Ruth Nankabirwa, the Energy Minister said Uganda continues to attract investment in the oil and gas sector. 'Our policy is not to export any raw materials, so there is plenty of investment opportunities in mineral processing' adding that Uganda has a number of minerals and areas of investment. 'Our iron ore is the best in the world, we have copper, oil, gold, several other minerals and are looking for investors in the sector,' Nankabirwa added. Ambassador Betty Bigombe said the Trade and Investment Forum reflected our mutual commitment to deepening economic, trade, and investment ties between Uganda and Malaysia. 'Today is more than just a business forum; it is a bridge between nations, between opportunity and ambition, and between vision and action.' Bigombe gave rousing remarks about Uganda, which she said was blessed with vast natural resources, a youthful and energetic population, and a stable and liberalized economy. 'Uganda is strategically positioned as a gateway to the East African Community (EAC), a vibrant market of over 300 million consumers, and to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Investors who choose Uganda will not just invest in one country; rather, they will access an entire regional market full of opportunity and potential.' This Expo is themed 'Unlocking Uganda's Business Potential,' with a focus on five high-impact sectors that are central to our national development strategy: agro-industrialisation, tourism development, oil and gas, science and technology, and mineral development. In agro-industrialisation, Bigombe said Uganda's fertile land and diverse agricultural outputs provide immense opportunities for value addition, agro-processing, and export-driven agribusiness. In tourism, she invited investment in eco-lodges, hospitality services, and tourism infrastructure to harness the potential of Ugandan national parks, including Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and the breath-taking Rwenzori Mountains. In the oil and gas sector, Uganda has made great strides, and several bankable projects are ready for investors. These include the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), the development of an oil refinery in Hoima, and the construction of logistics hubs to support the petroleum value chain. In science and technology, Uganda is driving digital transformation and innovation through ICT parks, youth innovation hubs, and the local assembly of tech devices. In mineral development, Uganda is richly endowed with gold, cobalt, rare earth elements, and more, and we welcome investors for sustainable and value-added exploitation. Amb. Bigombe highlighted Uganda Investment Authority's role in establishing a one-stop center to facilitate investors with licenses, land, tax advisory, and regulatory support. Uganda permits 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, guarantees repatriation of profits, and offers tax holidays, customs exemptions, and infrastructure support for priority areas. Furthermore, the UIA has also profiled over 120 bankable investment projects, spanning road infrastructure, tourism sites, agribusiness parks, and industrial parks across the country. The two-day forum has attracted a number of private investors from Uganda and Malaysia. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
South China Morning Post
24-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
As Malaysian oil runs out, is untapped Uganda the unlikely answer?
Malaysian firms have been invited to bid for untapped petroleum fields in Uganda as the Southeast Asian nation's oil and gas industry grapples with fast-depleting resources. Advertisement The oil and gas sector is a key contributor to Malaysia's economy, accounting for roughly 20 per cent of the country's 1.9 trillion ringgit (US$432 billion) gross domestic product. But the government has warned that Malaysia's reserves could dry up by 2038, with output from oilfields in the peninsula already falling to 350,000 barrels a day last year, half the production levels of a decade ago. Uganda is calling on Malaysian oil and gas players, like national energy giant Petronas, to invest early in its largely untapped petroleum reserves. The East African nation has already launched deals with French energy firm TotalEnergies and China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) to develop two oil basins in the country's north and west. A worker shows a map of the Kingfisher Oilfield's central processing facility in Kikube, Uganda. Photo: Xinhua At the launch of a Uganda business forum and expo in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, Energy and Mineral Development Minister Ruth Nankabirwa announced the impending licensing round.
South China Morning Post
24-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
As Malaysian oil runs out, is untapped Uganda the unlikely answer?
Malaysian firms have been invited to bid for untapped petroleum fields in Uganda as the Southeast Asian nation's oil and gas industry grapples with fast-depleting resources. Advertisement The oil and gas sector is a key contributor to Malaysia's economy, accounting for roughly 20 per cent of the country's 1.9 trillion ringgit (US$432 billion) gross domestic product. But the government has warned that Malaysia's reserves could dry up by 2038, with output from oilfields in the peninsula already falling to 350,000 barrels a day last year, half the production levels of a decade ago. Uganda is calling on Malaysian oil and gas players, like national energy giant Petronas, to invest early in its largely untapped petroleum reserves. The East African nation has already launched deals with French energy firm TotalEnergies and China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) to develop two oil basins in the country's north and west. A worker shows a map of the Kingfisher Oilfield's central processing facility in Kikube, Uganda. Photo: Xinhua At the launch of a Uganda business forum and expo in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, Energy and Mineral Development Minister Ruth Nankabirwa announced the impending licensing round.
