Kinshasa hosts maiden Makutano mining forum to drive Africa's mining industrialisation

Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), will host the inaugural edition of Makutano Mining, a pan-African forum focused on the industrialisation of mining-producing countries and the financing of mining projects, from November 22 to 25, 2026.

The forum, being held under the high patronage of DRC President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, is expected to bring together President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, government officials, mining industry executives, investors, financial institutions and other key stakeholders.

According to the Makutano Network, the forum is aimed at promoting greater industrialisation in mineral-producing countries and increasing the value generated locally from Africa’s natural resources.

The organisers said the initiative builds on the network’s experience from 11 editions of the Makutano forum since 2015, which have attracted six Heads of State and about 5,500 business leaders.

The Network said it was now directing its convening platform towards the mining sector, which it considers strategic to Africa’s industrial and economic development.

It explained that mining could provide a foundation for industrialisation in producing countries through mineral processing and the expansion of local businesses that supply goods and services to mining companies.

"The challenge is to create the conditions needed for these activities to develop and generate sustainable employment and income," the Network said.

Founder of the Makutano Network, Nicole Sulu, said the continent must take greater control of how its mineral resources are developed and the value generated from them.

"Africa holds the resources, but not yet the rules of the game. If we want to create more value for our countries, we must bring all sector stakeholders around the same table. From Kinshasa, we want to demonstrate that the DRC can become the place where decisions are made, partnerships are forged and prosperity of our continent is built."

Makutano Mining will provide a platform for mining companies, government representatives, banks, development institutions and energy companies to discuss their respective needs and investment priorities.

The organisers said the engagements are expected to help identify concrete commitments and opportunities for collaboration among stakeholders.

The four-day programme will combine high-level discussions, technical sessions, business meetings and exhibitions at the Pullman Kinshasa and Fleuve Congo Hotel.

Delegations are expected to arrive on November 22, followed by a reception at Villa Immorose. The following day will feature closed-door engagements involving public officials, Congolese companies and mining executives before the official opening ceremony.

November 24 will focus on panel discussions, technical sessions, business meetings and exhibitions, culminating in an awards gala, while the final day will feature further discussions, high-level interviews and business meetings before the closing ceremony.

Key issues on the agenda will include mining taxation and revenue sharing, transport infrastructure, electricity supply, environmental, social and governance requirements, artisanal mining, employment and skills development, innovation and the participation of women in the mining industry.

The Salle des Accords, also known as the Makutano Mining Deal Room, will provide a venue for closed-door negotiations on potential projects and partnerships. A separate "Signature Moment" will allow participants to announce agreements reached during the forum.

The DRC occupies a significant position in the global mining industry. It was the world's leading producer of mined cobalt in 2025, accounting for about 73 per cent of global production, and was also the world's second-largest copper producer.

Organisers said the country's importance in global mineral production means that its industrial and mining policy decisions have implications beyond its borders, particularly as demand grows for minerals associated with the energy transition.

Among the announced participants are DRC Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba; Bas-Uele Governor Mike-David Mokeni Amisi; ANAPI Director General Rachel Pungu; CAMI Director General Popol Mabolia; EGC Director General Eric Kalala; FOMIN Chairman Kalaa Mpinga; ARSP Director General Ted Beleshay; Gecamines SA CEO Baraka Kabemba; TMB Director General Yannick Mbiya; Kibali Gold Country Director Cyrille Mutombo; Glencore DRC CEO Marie-Chantal Kaninda; Sicomines CEO Li Sheng; and other industry and public-sector representatives.

Representatives from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa Finance Corporation, African Development Bank, World Bank, Rio Tinto and ERG are also expected to participate.

Founded by Nicole Sulu in 2015, the Makutano Network brings together African business leaders, investors and public officials to promote economic partnerships, value creation and collective economic intelligence across the continent.