Women leaders set to redefine Africa's mining sector at African Mining Week 2025
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 ✕
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
AEF outcomes: Powering South Africa's energy transition
South Africa has the potential to lead Africa's energy transition, says the author. Image: Freepik Last month, Cape Town hosted the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) for the first time in its 27-year history – a significant milestone for South Africa's growing role in shaping the continent's energy future. As the global investment meeting for Africa's power, energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, AEF brought together heads of state, ministers, policymakers, utilities, development finance institutions (DFIs) and private sector stakeholders. While the forum celebrated just how rapidly South Africa's energy market is maturing, it also highlighted the critical work that is still required to unlock its full potential. The industry's maturity is reflected in the growing number of trading licences being issued, as the sector shifts towards a competitive wholesale trading environment. South Africa's public procurement programme continues to serve as a blueprint for success, underpinned by a transparent and consistent auction process. While technology advancements enable more competitive pricing and improved system reliability, new risk management mechanisms – such as insurance products and credit guarantee vehicles – are enhancing project viability and attracting larger funding volumes. Further progress, however, will depend on the availability of adaptable financial structures. There is a growing need for instruments that can support projects with multiple offtakers or staggered power purchase agreement tenors, while maintaining appropriate risk allocation. DFIs remain essential in this space, not only by providing security packages for senior lenders, but by enabling project preparation in the early stages. Despite growing investor confidence, structural challenges persist. Grid infrastructure remains a core constraint for Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Until this is addressed, it will continue to limit how quickly new projects can be delivered. In the near term, implementing a curtailment framework would allow developers to proceed with projects in grid-constrained areas, with output managed while the necessary transmission infrastructure is rolled out. Permit delays are another concern. Although Environmental Authorisations are guided by a national legislative process, local capacity constraints can result in inconsistent turnaround times, creating significant delays in some jurisdictions. As demand increases, the availability of experienced construction partners will be a key factor in the sector's ability to execute projects at scale. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Nevertheless, the outlook remains positive for South Africa. In the next five years, we'd like to see a vibrant market with a day-ahead trading environment and several IPPs, including Mulilo, managing portfolios of 5 GW or more. We also hope to see an increased number of renewable energy professionals and expanded human resource capacity to support the sector. Continued collaboration between government and the private sector, through platforms such as the Energy Council of South Africa, will be central to achieving this. AEF 2025 confirmed what many in the sector already knew: South Africa has the potential to lead Africa's energy transition. With the right partnerships, policies and investment, the sector can go beyond energy security at home; it can deliver scalable, bankable solutions for the continent. Stuart MacWilliam, Chief Development Officer at Mulilo Image: Supplied Stuart MacWilliam, Chief Development Officer at Mulilo. *** The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Independent Media or IOL. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Gen Z wants to pay their way: is your business ready to tap in?
With 72% of South African Gen Zs citing they are more cautious with money than before, they want better ways to manage their finances, earn rewards, and plan for the future. Image: Freepik By 2030, Gen Z will be the biggest-spending generation in much of Sub-Saharan Africa, and already, South Africa's youngest consumers are changing the way the country pays. This was according to Jonathan Spencer of who said that for Gen Z, speed, choice, and digital convenience are essential. He added that as payment habits evolve, businesses that don't keep up risk losing relevance in a market where 95% of consumers already use emerging payment methods. 'While many retailers see this shift, few have fully delivered the seamless, mobile-first experiences that Gen Z expects,' Spencer said. Gen Z demands options at checkout 'Whether it's digital wallets, mobile payment services, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services, or scan-to-pay apps, Gen Z wants efficiency, flexibility, and control, and they'll walk away if they don't get it,' Spencer added. 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 ✕ Ad loading Global research showed that nearly 60% of consumers say convenient payment options are essential to completing an online purchase. Among Gen Z shoppers, that figure rises to 65%, with many abandoning carts if their preferred method isn't available. Financial tools that fit their lives 'These shifting behaviours reveal a deeper insight: for Gen Z, digital financial tools aren't only about transactions, they provide empowerment. They use these to budget in real-time, access interest-free credit, and participate in the economy without requiring a traditional bank account,' Spencer said. With 72% of South African Gen Zs citing they are more cautious with money than before, they want better ways to manage their finances, earn rewards, and plan for the future. 'And they're loyal to brands that enable that journey,' Spencer added. He added that Gen Z's constant online presence is matched by a growing concern for data privacy. 'This generation places high value on secure, frictionless payment experiences that protect their personal information. As a result, we've noticed that payment solutions like Apple Pay and Stitch's 'Pay by Bank' are gaining popularity by offering secure, card-free transactions that protect user data and reduce exposure to fraud.' Why fintech is winning Gen Z A G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion report found that young people in Sub-Saharan African markets are leaning into digital-first financial services over traditional banks. In South Africa, Spencer said he sees this trend play out through Gen Z's growing use of scan-to-pay apps like SnapScan and Zapper, which align with their mobile-first habits. The BNPL revolution BNPL services are gaining ground fast. According to KenResearch, the country's BNPL transaction volume is expected to grow by 26% annually through 2027. 'We are seeing strong uptake of BNPL payments offered by the likes of PayFlex, especially among younger consumers,' shared Spencer. 'They offer flexibility without the interest rates or barriers of traditional credit cards.' Rewards that make sense Payment isn't the only thing Gen Z wants control over. They also expect more from loyalty programmes. Local research firm KLA found that this generation favours personalised rewards and flexible redemption options over traditional points systems. 'Discounts on essentials, instant rewards, and benefits that feel customised are what land,' says Spencer. 'Brands that build their own programmes or partner with platforms like FNB eBucks or Discovery Miles are hitting the mark.' What retailers should do To stay relevant, he suggests that retailers start by auditing their existing payment options and identifying generational gaps. 'Investing in mobile-first technologies like scan-to-pay, digital wallets, and BNPL is no longer optional.' He adds that using payment data to personalise experiences, strengthening digital security to build trust, and partnering with leading fintech providers can give businesses the edge they need to connect with Gen Z shoppers. 'Young consumers value speed, choice, and trust,' Spencer concludes. 'Retailers who prioritise those qualities across every touchpoint will build stronger, lasting connections with Gen Z.' BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
IOL News
08-07-2025
- IOL News
US tariffs threaten South Africa's economic growth and job market
US President Donald Trump's import tariffs will have a severe impact on the number of vehicles that South Africa exports to the US.. Image: Freepik High tariffs imposed by the US on South African exports from August 1 will be a blow that will further de-industrialise South Africa, kill economic growth, and cause further unemployment, Efficient Group chief economist Dawie Roodt said yesterday. Speaking in an online discussion held by the Motor Industry Staff Association of South Africa (MISA) about the US's plans to resume its threat of 30% import tariffs for South African goods, Roodt said the tariffs will result in lower investment into South Africa and will impact manufacturing and agriculture particularly, sectors that are among the most capable of growing job opportunities in the country. He said while South Africa's participation in the US's Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) later this year was not formally over and uncertain - Agoa allows duty-free access to the US market for eligible sub-Saharan countries - the new tariffs effectively meant this prospect was unlikely, as the new tariff structure could not co-exist with the benefits of Agoa. In addition, Agoa had the protection of property ownership rights as a condition of membership, which South Africa could not meet due to its Land Expropriation Act. South Africa was viewed as a medium-income country, and the Act was for less developed economies. 'We need to accept that Agoa is dead,' he said. He said, however, that by appearances, US President Donald Trump's door was always open for further negotiation on the tariffs, but that the US appears to be seeking political concessions from the South African government. These likely included changing its outlook on BEE, on land expropriation, and on Israel and Iran, with much of the government's current views on these matters based on 'political grandstanding,' said Roodt. He said that South African exporters should seek to diversify their markets from the US, and there was growth and potential in China, India, Europe, and Eastern European markets, but there would also now be greater competition in these markets, as many other countries were now also working to diversify their markets from the US. The government had earlier this month sought to allay fears that the tariffs would be imposed, such as on July 1, when Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said that there was 'still room for engagement' with the US. South Africa is one of 14 countries arbitrarily targeted under this tariff policy. The US is South Africa's second-largest export market after China, with R157 billion worth of goods exported in 2024, mainly precious metals, vehicles, iron and steel, and aluminium. Over 25 000 vehicles were shipped to the US last year. FedEx Sub-Saharan African Operations MD Gregory Saffy said one promising avenue to diversify trade is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). 'The agreement represents one of the most important levers for driving inclusive growth and unlocking the continent's full trade potential. Of course, this won't happen overnight, but we're optimistic given the early progress being reported,' he said. Since the start of preferential trade under AfCFTA in January 2024, South Africa's exports had steadily increased, reaching some R820 million by March 2025. These included mining equipment, household appliances, plastics, apparel, food items, and electrical machinery. Professor Raymond Parsons of the NWU Business School said: 'South Africa is not without remedies. It remains essential that bilateral negotiations must continue to stabilise and consolidate future US-South Africa investment and trade relations. Collaboration between government and the private sector must continue to accelerate the steady identification of alternative markets, for which South Africa must remain globally competitive,' Parsons said. He said the costs of doing business in South Africa is still too high, and growth-friendly policies must be implemented. 'It becomes even more essential to speedily implement growth-friendly policies that build economic buffers and reduce costs in ways that also enable South Africa to successfully deal with any global setbacks,' he said. The US is the third-largest destination for South African automotive exports, with about R35bn worth of vehicles shipped in 2024, accounting for 6.5% of total vehicle exports in 2024. National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) CEO Mike Mabasa said they were meeting with the motor manufacturers to get their inputs on the new tariff regime. However, in April, Naamsa said the proposed tariff increase will severely impact local manufacturers operating in South Africa, including BMW, Ford, Isuzu, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen, who produce vehicles for global markets, including the US. The US move could have serious implications for jobs and investment in South Africa's automotive sector. 'The proposed tariff costs cannot be absorbed by manufacturers, resulting in additional costs for US consumers and a reduced choice of South African-produced brands,' Naamsa said.
