On the sidelines of the Egypt Mining Forum 2026, Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Wealth, Karim Badawi, launched the African Mineral Regulatory Forum (AFMRA). The forum aims to create a continental platform for cooperation and exchange of experiences among national institutions regulating the mining sector in African countries. This initiative seeks to support the development of regulatory and legislative frameworks, improve the efficiency of mineral resource management, and enhance the continent's ability to attract investments and achieve added value from its natural resources.
The launch event was attended by Moses Michel Engado, Secretary-General of the African Mineral Strategy Group (AMSG), and Geologist Yasser Ramadan, head of the Egyptian Mineral Wealth and Mining Industries Authority. Several heads of mining authorities, regulatory bodies, and officials responsible for the mining sector in various African countries also participated. Minister Badawi emphasized that the launch of the AFMRA represents a crucial step towards building more integrated African cooperation in regulating mining.
The forum aims to achieve greater compatibility and flexibility in regulatory and operational frameworks, balancing the preservation of African countries' sovereignty over their natural resources with facilitating investment and cooperation. It also seeks to enhance commercial and economic integration among continent countries. The minister highlighted that cooperation among African regulatory institutions is no longer optional but necessary to improve mineral resource management and maximize economic returns.
Minister Badawi stressed that developing the African mining sector requires modern and effective regulatory institutions capable of managing geological data, developing mining records, and improving licensing systems. This would support transforming mineral wealth into economic value and sustainable investment opportunities. Egypt prioritizes supporting African cooperation and exchanging expertise in mining, as evident from hosting the AFMRA.
Yasser Ramadan, head of the Egyptian Mineral Wealth and Mining Industries Authority, stated that establishing the AFMRA reflects a growing recognition that harnessing the continent's geological potential requires strong regulatory institutions and a stable investment environment. The forum provides a continental framework for cooperation among African regulatory bodies, enabling the exchange of field experiences and best practices.
The forum's sessions emphasized the importance of developing Africa's mining regulation system to transition from exporting raw materials to maximizing processing and manufacturing within the continent. This approach would increase added value, create jobs, and maximize economic returns from African mineral resources. Participants also highlighted the need for a permanent continental technical mechanism under the AFMRA to support coordination and cooperation among African regulatory institutions.
The African Mineral Regulatory Forum provides a platform for African countries to address common challenges and opportunities in the mining sector. By fostering cooperation and knowledge sharing, the forum can contribute to the development of a more robust and sustainable mining industry in Africa. The AFMRA has the potential to play a vital role in shaping the future of the continent's mineral resources.
Key points
- The African Mineral Regulatory Forum was launched on the sidelines of the Egypt Mining Forum 2026.
- The forum aims to create a continental platform for cooperation and exchange of experiences among national institutions regulating the mining sector in African countries.
- The AFMRA seeks to support the development of regulatory and legislative frameworks, improve the efficiency of mineral resource management, and enhance the continent's ability to attract investments.
