As global demand for minerals grows, Africa – boasting 30% of the world’s critical minerals – has become a key market for mining investors and project developers. A new report released by global consultancy dss+ identifies six global trends reshaping Africa’s mining sector. The report comes ahead of the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference – scheduled for October 1–3, 2025 in Cape Town. The event will unpack recent macro-trends, with a view to connecting foreign capital to African mining projects.

Geopolitical Realignment

Geopolitical shifts are intensifying competition among the U.S., China, Europe and the Middle East for African minerals. China continues to deepen its footprint in Africa through its $21.7 billion Belt and Road Initiative, while the U.S. is investing in strategic mining and infrastructure projects through the Export–Import Bank of the United States and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. UAE-based companies such as International Holdings Resources, Ambrosia and NG9 holdings are enhancing investments in African mining through projects in Zambia, the DRC, Ethiopia and Mali. AMW 2025’s dedicated US-Africa, EU-Africa, Middle East-Africa and China-Africa roundtables will fostering strategic dialogue, linking global investors with high-value opportunities across Africa.

Strategic Supply Chains

Supply chain volatility – from Red Sea disruptions to U.S. tariffs and climate-related impacts – has led to the creation of regional value chains, economic zones and direct export routes via infrastructure like Tanzania–Zambia Railway and Lobito Corridors. At AMW, a panel titled From Mines to Markets: Strengthening Trade and Connectivity for Africa’s Mineral Future will unpack how trade agreements and enhanced infrastructure networks are impacting mineral exports and supply chains.

Reinvigorating Safety

Reinvigorating safety has become a top priority for many African governments, owing to the new era of complexity given the rise of digitalization. Across the continent, countries are implementing reforms to enhance safety procedures. For example, South Africa amended its 1996 law with the Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill of 2024 to strengthen managerial responsibility and accountability while enhancing mine safety.

Local Content Development

African countries are advancing sustainable mining growth through culture, leadership and inclusion. Ghana, for instance, introduced its Gold Board in 2025, an agency which will buy gold from the local miners in an effort to formalize the sector. Zambia is set to finalize its draft Local Content Regulations for the mining sector in 2025. An AMW panel titled The Skills Dividend: Investing in Local Talent to Power Africa’s Mining Future, will highlight various local content strategies across Africa and how they are driving local beneficiation and skills development.

Technology Transformation

Digitalization is rising in African mining, with AI, automation and remote tools being used to enhance exploration and operational efficiency. Notably, startups in Zambia and the DRC have made new discoveries using digital twins and sensors, while Botswana Diamonds is using AI to target new critical mineral discoveries. US startup KoBold Metals is leveraging digital tools to enhance copper exploration in Zambia and lithium operations in the DRC. The Technology Forum at AMW 2025 will showcase how Africa is harnessing the power of data analytics to predict failures, enhance safety and drive sustainable resource management.

Operationalizing ESG

ESG performance has become a critical requirement for mining projects to attract investment. Today, more than 80% of institutional investors channel capital based on ESG criteria. Canadian firm Giyani Metals is capitalizing on this shift, securing a $26 million ESG-linked funding package to advance a battery-grade manganese project in Botswana to the financing phase. Similarly, Mkango Resources has attracted support from the European Union for its Songwe Rare Earths project in Malawi, after aligning its development strategy with the International Finance Corporation’s ESG standards. At AMW, a panel titled Harmonizing ESG Standards and Driving Industry-Wide Adoption will explore the impact ESG plays in African mining.