On November 12, 2026, Djiba Diakité, Minister and Director of the Presidential Cabinet, presented Guinea's ambitions for the Simandou 2040 program at the Simandou Mining Summit in Conakry. The program aims to transform the country's mining industry, focusing on local processing of mineral resources, economic diversification, and creation of a sovereign wealth fund to secure the future for future generations.
Diakité emphasized that the era of exporting raw minerals is over, and Guinea aims to become a major player in the production of bauxite, alumina, aluminum, gold, and critical metals. The Nimba Mining Company will drive this ambition, with a focus on creating value in Guinea and sharing it with partners who commit to working with the country.
The minister announced that revenues generated from Simandou will not be entirely consumed, but will primarily feed into a sovereign wealth fund for future generations and tomorrow's actors. He made three commitments to investors on behalf of the Guinean State: respecting signed agreements, ensuring transparency in project implementation, and training local competencies.
Diakité emphasized the importance of local content, job creation, and business opportunities for Guineans. He called on investors to make serious, sustainable, and respectful investments that align with Guinean laws. The Simandou Academy will provide training for engineers, technicians, and entrepreneurs to support these projects.
The minister urged investors to use the Simandou Mining Summit as a platform to concretize projects and create jobs in Guinea. He emphasized that success will be measured by the number of projects launched, jobs created, and Guinean businesses that grow alongside investors.
Diakité stressed that the summit should be a place for decision-making, not just debate. Each participant should leave with a partner, a project, and a clearly defined next step. He added that the moment for Guinea is now and that it wants to build a future with investors in the long term.
The Simandou 2040 program aims to position Guinea as a major player in the global mining industry. The program's success will depend on effective partnerships between the Guinean government and investors. Key to this success is the development of local competencies and the creation of sustainable job opportunities.
Key points
- Guinea aims to transform its mining industry through the Simandou 2040 program, focusing on local resource processing and economic diversification.
- The program includes the creation of a sovereign wealth fund to secure the future for future generations.
- The Guinean government has made commitments to investors, including respecting signed agreements, ensuring transparency, and training local competencies.
