West & Central Africa Mining Summit & Expo
septiembre 25, 2025 - septiembre 26, 2025
Powering Progress in West and Central Africa: Inside the WaCA Mining Summit & Expo
As the global mining industry grapples with environmental, economic, and geopolitical pressures, West and Central Africa (WaCA) is positioning itself as a region of resilience and opportunity. At the forefront of this transformation stands the WaCA Mining Summit & Expo—the definitive gathering for mining leaders, investors, and policymakers committed to building a sustainable and prosperous future for the African mining sector.
Now in its 11th edition, this year’s Summit reaffirms the region’s role in powering the next chapter of global resource development. More than just an event, WaCA Mining is a strategic platform for exploration, consolidation, and investment across one of the world's most dynamic mining regions.
Exploring the Wealth of West & Central Africa's Mining Sector
From Ghana’s mature gold sector to the cobalt-rich terrain of the DRC, WaCA remains a magnet for mining investors and developers seeking both proven assets and untapped potential. The Summit showcased a comprehensive range of investment opportunities spanning both emerging frontiers and established jurisdictions.
Key countries in the spotlight:
Ghana – Regulatory stability and a robust gold industry
Mali – A key player in gold and lithium mining
Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) – Fast-growing exploration activity
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – Rich in cobalt, copper, and coltan
Burkina Faso and Nigeria – New hotspots for diversified mineral exploration
Participants heard first-hand from government officials, industry executives, and exploration specialists about policy updates, mineral resource potential, and legal frameworks shaping the sector’s future.
Unlocking Africa’s Green Metals Potential
The global shift towards decarbonization and electrification has amplified the demand for green metals—minerals essential to batteries, clean energy systems, and electric vehicles. The WaCA Mining Summit devoted significant attention to Africa’s role in this transformation.
Strategic metals discussed included:
Lithium – Critical for battery storage solutions
Cobalt and Nickel – Key elements for EV production
Copper – Foundational for renewable energy infrastructure
Graphite and Rare Earth Elements – Enablers of next-gen technologies
The message was clear: Africa is not just a supplier of raw materials—it is a strategic partner in the global energy transition.
New Tax Regimes and Their Impact on Investment
As governments across the region revise mining codes and fiscal policies, understanding the new tax regimes becomes vital for investors. WaCA Mining provided an in-depth analysis of recent tax developments and their implications for long-term mining investment.
Key topics covered included:
Royalty rate revisions and profit-based taxation
Incentives for greenfield investments
Cross-border regulatory harmonization
Risk mitigation for foreign investors
Transparency and anti-corruption efforts
Experts from both the public and private sectors engaged in constructive dialogue on finding the right balance between resource sovereignty and a globally competitive investment environment.
Responsible Mining for a Sustainable Future
Beyond economics, this year’s summit emphasized the importance of responsible and sustainable mining practices. With increasing scrutiny on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance, companies operating in West and Central Africa are now expected to go beyond compliance and become active agents of community development and environmental stewardship.
Initiatives and best practices showcased:
Community-driven development programs
Mine site rehabilitation and biodiversity preservation
Gender inclusion in mining operations
Carbon reduction targets and reporting frameworks
Cross-border cooperation on environmental monitoring
The focus on responsibility and resilience resonated deeply with delegates, reinforcing the region’s commitment to mining with integrity.
Building Strategic Partnerships and Networks
WaCA Mining Summit & Expo is more than just a marketplace for ideas—it is a catalyst for partnerships that can shape the industry for decades to come. The event attracted industry leaders, technology innovators, financial institutions, and government representatives, all eager to collaborate.
Delegates found opportunities to:
Discover new JV and licensing deals
Meet face-to-face with mining ministers and policymakers
Engage with tech companies revolutionizing mining operations
Form strategic alliances for large-scale exploration campaigns
Such interactions are instrumental in turning ideas into action and investments into impact.
The Future of Mining in WaCA: A Region Ready for Growth
With rising demand for essential commodities and a shift toward energy transition minerals, West and Central Africa is no longer a peripheral player in the global mining narrative—it is central to it. The WaCA Mining Summit & Expo has become the anchor event where this narrative is shaped, debated, and advanced.
As the industry moves toward greater consolidation and sustainable development, the region offers:
Strong political will to attract FDI
Expanding infrastructure corridors (rail, road, and port)
A young and growing workforce
Deep untapped geological potential
This positions WaCA as a strategic destination not just for mining, but for resource-led development.
WaCA Mining—Where Strength Meets Opportunity
The 11th West & Central Africa Mining Summit & Expo reinforced a powerful message: this region is resilient, resource-rich, and ready for the future. Amid global uncertainty, WaCA is carving out a new narrative of responsible growth, strategic collaboration, and long-term prosperity.
For anyone invested in the future of mining—be it in exploration, policy, finance, or sustainability—WaCA Mining is the place to be. It offers a front-row seat to one of the most exciting and essential developments in the global resource landscape.
