African Mining In 2026: Policy Shifts And Increasing Investment
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Industries
Kenya experiences measured resurgence in mining aligned with demand for neodymium, praseodymium, niobium, titanium (rutile, ilmenite, zircon), graphite, manganese, fluorspar and copper—key for energy transition tech. Despite regulatory uncertainty, its regional investment hub status sustains strong cross-border M&A.
Namibia’s outlook stays positive despite export slowdown risks and trade tensions, rich in diamonds, uranium, gold, lithium for green hydrogen/solar. EU/Gulf investors target offshore Orange Basin oil/gas and uranium/lithium mining; reforms emphasize local ownership without 51% mandate yet, new Mines Minister tasked with momentum.
South Africa records large-cap deals like Anglo American Platinum demerger (now Valterra, LSE secondary listing). FATF grey list removal and reforms boost confidence; resilient local investors manage global risks. Demand drives platinum group metals, manganese, chromium, copper; Draft Mineral Resources Development Bill advances B-BBEE, community obligations, Section 11 approvals.
Tanzania’s Oct 2025 elections sparked unrest but low inflation/manageable debt signal solid fundamentals; post-stability M&A rise expected via policy reforms. Infrastructure like Standard Gauge Railway/roads aids connectivity; Perseus Mining’s $180m Nyanzaga Gold acquisition + $523m commitment highlights interest. One-Stop Centre consolidates Tanzania Investment Authority.
Zambia relies on copper/cobalt for forex; deals include Shuka Minerals’ Leopard Exploration/Mining and Kabwe Zinc buys. 2026 elections unlikely to curb M&A with stable government forecast, despite power/currency woes. Jan 1 2026 local content rules, ESG compliance, community engagement ramp up; ZCCM-IH (govt-majority) shifts to mining assets, but June 2025 Minerals Regulation Act raises property rights concerns.
Conclusion flags mining as economic growth driver; maturing regulations and stabilizing conditions position major African markets for investor boom toward sustainable long-term gains.
