Since 1994, Investing in African Mining Indaba has served as a crucial platform for shaping the future of mining on the African continent. It brings together mining professionals, investors, and industry leaders pursuing long-term growth. 

The theme for Mining Indaba 2026 is “Stronger Together: Progress through Partnerships.” Events at the 2026 conference will underscore the role that collaboration between governments, communities, industry, and civil society play in advancing the mining sector in Africa.

As part of our commitment to this agenda, the World Bank Group will engage throughout the conference through a variety of sessions that highlight our expanding role in the sector.

Over the past decade, the World Bank Group has financed around $10 billion in mining related projects. We expect to quintuple our support to the sector over the next five years. Our approach revolves around three key pillars: foundational infrastructure, policies and regulations, and mobilizing capital. 

As demand for metals and minerals soars, our mandate is clear: help countries develop mineral value chains that mitigate market risks, create jobs, and support growth, responsibly and transparently. 

More information:

Follow the discussion: @WBG_Energy and @MiningIndaba. #MI2026

The World Bank Group, including representatives from the Metals and Minerals Global Department IFC, and MIGA will speak at the following Mining Indaba events. 



SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2026

Ministerial Symposium 
Participant: Robert Schlotterer, Manager, Metals and Minerals Global Department, World Bank Group

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026

Strategic partnerships – The new model for mine financing

Participant: Ignacio De Calonje, Chief Investment Officer, World Bank Group
Time: 11:50 AM–12:35 PM  
Location: Investment Programme, River Nile Stage, CTICC 1 

 

Powering the future – The World Bank Group’s support to Africa’s minerals and metals

Participants: World Bank Group 
Time: 1:45 PM–3:15 PM 
Location: Bluebell Room, Level 3, CTICC 2 

 

Refining the opportunity – Investing in African critical minerals value chains

Participant: Robert Schlotterer, Manager, Metals and Minerals Global Department, World Bank Group
Time: 3:45 PM–4:30 PM 
Location: Investment Programme, River Nile Stage, CTICC 1 

 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026 

Can global coordination finally turn ASGM reform into real progress?

Participant: Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, Division Director for Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea & Togo, World Bank Group 
Time: 10:00 AM–10:45 AM 

 

Can Africa balance resource nationalism with investment certainty?

Participant: Namrata Thapar, Senior Manager, Metals and Minerals Global Department, World Bank Group
Time: 12:30 PM–1:15 PM 
Location: Intergovernmental Summit, Sahara Stage, CTICC 2 

 

Is mining's ESG agenda losing momentum?

Participant: Henriette Kolb, Global Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory International Finance Corporation
Time: 1:20 PM–2:20 PM 
Location: Disruptive Discussions (Main Stage), Table Mountain Stage, Ground Floor Exhibition Hall, CTICC 1 

 

Is resource nationalism paving the way for equitable global partnerships in critical minerals supply chains?

Participant: Martin Lokanc,  Senior Mining Specialist, World Bank Group
Time: 1:30 PM–2:15 PM 
Location: Critical Minerals, Ngorongoro Crater Stage, CTICC 1 

 

What lessons can we learn from Guinea’s use of partnerships in realising its iron ore potential?

Participant: Marie-Chantal Uwanyiligira, Division Director for Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Guinea & Togo, World Bank Group
Time: 3:45 PM–4:30 PM 
Location: Critical Minerals, Ngorongoro Crater Stage, CTICC 1 

 

How can Africa close its transmission infrastructure gap to power mining and industrial growth?

Participant:  Ignacio De Calonje, Chief Investment Officer, World Bank Group
Time: 4:30 PM–5:15 PM 
Location: Intergovernmental Summit, Sahara Stage, CTICC 2 


 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026 

Unlocking capital for explorers and junior mining companies

Participant:  Ignacio De Calonje, Chief Investment Officer, World Bank Group
Time: 10:05 AM–10:50 AM 
Location: Investment Programme, River Nile Stage, CTICC 1 

 

Gulf capital meets African mining potential

Participant: Robert Schlotterer, Manager, Metals and Minerals Global Department, World Bank Group
Time: 11:45 AM–12:30 PM 
Location: Investment Programme, River Nile Stage, CTICC 1