The future of mining in Africa cannot be written without women

Partnerships hold the key to unlocking the exploding opportunities in the global mining sector — and gender empowerment is central to those partnerships.
This is the powerful consensus emerging from women leaders across Africa’s mining industry, who are calling for greater collaboration, visibility, and recognition of women’s expertise. The message is clear: the mining industry cannot progress without women at its centre.

Laura Nicholson, Product Director for Investing in African Mining Indaba, emphasises that some of the greatest power in the mining sector lies in the networks between people — and amplifying women’s networks is key to unlocking future growth.

“Our theme ‘Stronger Together: Progress through Partnerships’ reminds us that progress in mining, and especially for women in mining, depends on how well we support and collaborate with one another,” says Nicholson. “When women champion each other, the entire industry moves forward.”

Breaking barriers, driving change
From the boardroom to the mine site, women are proving to be catalysts for transformation. But leaders stress the need to go further, faster.

As Raksha Naidoo, Chairperson of Women in Mining South Africa, says: “The story of Africa’s mining future will be written by women who refuse to be confined by limits. We will lead, innovate, and transform. Every barrier broken opens a pathway for others to rise. When women mentor each other and share knowledge, we not only grow as individuals but strengthen the entire industry.”

Women in leadership and policy
The role of women in government also signals a new chapter for mining. Zeinab El-Sayed, Head of Government Partnerships at Mining Indaba, highlights the growing number of women shaping policy and governance.

“We’ve been inspired by leaders such as South Africa’s deputy minister of minerals and petroleum resources, Phumzile Magina, and deputy minister of electricity and energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, who are breaking down silos and enhancing dialogue,” she says.

“The next chapter of Africa’s mining story must be written with women at the helm of governance and policy. True progress comes when governments, industry, and communities partner around a shared vision — and women are placed at the heart of that decision-making.”

This forward-looking approach will be at the centre of Mining Indaba 2026, where leaders across the mining value chain will gather to accelerate these conversations into concrete action.

Partnerships in action
Signs of progress are already visible. Mining Indaba’s strategic partner, the Association of Women in Mining in Africa (AWIMA), continues to champion women’s participation, representation, and leadership across extractive industries.

AWIMA President Zenzi Awases, reinforces the call for pan-African collaboration: “Mentorship, coaching, and a strong network of sisterhood have been the foundation of my two decades in the mining industry. Having co-founded and led the Women in Mining Association of Namibia, and now serving as President of AWIMA, I have seen first-hand the powerful role women play in driving transformation.

The future of mining belongs to those who lead with courage, collaboration, and vision — and women are already at the forefront. By strengthening our networks and amplifying mentorship and coaching, we can ensure Africa’s mining story is one of inclusion, sustainability, and opportunity for all.”

Looking ahead to MI26
Mining Indaba 2026 will be the global stage where these conversations are amplified and transformed into action. With the theme “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships”, MI26 will convene governments, investors, corporates, innovators, and women leaders to co-create the mining sector of tomorrow.

This is more than an event; it is the continuation of a movement. The future of mining in Africa — and its role as an economic powerhouse — depends on coming together, building bridges, and ensuring that women remain at the heart of progress.

Source: https://miningindaba.com