The Guinean capital, Conakry, is poised to become a hub for global mining industry players from November 11-14, 2026, as it hosts the first-ever Simandou Mining Summit. The event aims to mobilize public decision-makers, investors, mining companies, and development partners to discuss opportunities offered by Guinea's natural resources, with the goal of accelerating industrialization and economic diversification. The summit's theme, "Mining Industry, Engine of Economic Diversification," reflects the country's ambition to leverage its mining potential for sustainable development.
The summit will focus on the Simandou project, one of the country's most significant investments, which involves exploiting large iron ore deposits in southeastern Guinea and constructing railway and port infrastructure. This project is a cornerstone of Guinea's national economic transformation strategy, aligned with the Simandou 2040 program, which aims to attract over $200 billion in investments and create five million jobs by 2040. The program encompasses five pillars, 36 reforms, and 122 priority projects across 15 sectors.
The Simandou Mining Summit seeks to create a platform for business and networking among mining ecosystem players. Unlike traditional conferences, the event will prioritize structured business meetings, deal rooms, and dialogue between public and private sectors. The program includes two conference stages, workshops, roundtables, and an exhibition featuring Guinean and international companies. A key focus will be on local enterprise participation in mining value chains, local content, and national skills development.
The event is expected to draw over 1,000 high-level delegates from more than 30 countries, including government leaders, mining company executives, investors, infrastructure developers, and development partners. More than 75 speakers will participate, and over 3,000 business meetings are planned. The summit is organized by the Simandou Strategic Committee, with support from the Ministry of Mines and Geology and the Guinean Development Agency (GDB).
The summit's implementation is entrusted to Africa Practice and Fastmarkets, with the Compagnie des bauxites de Guinée (CBG) and Nimba Mining Company (NMC) as founding partners. Through this event, Guinea aims to consolidate its position in the international mining industry while transitioning its economic model towards more local transformation and value creation.
The Simandou Mining Summit represents a crucial step in implementing the Simandou 2040 vision, which seeks to harness Guinea's natural wealth not only as a revenue source but also as an instrument for industrialization, shared prosperity, and sustainable development. By promoting partnerships and business opportunities, the summit aims to unlock the potential of Guinea's mining sector.
With a focus on sustainable development and economic diversification, the Simandou Mining Summit is poised to have a lasting impact on Guinea's mining industry and economy. The event's outcomes will be closely watched by stakeholders in the global mining community, as Guinea seeks to maximize the benefits of its natural resources for the country's growth and development.
Key points
- The summit aims to attract over $200 billion in investments and create five million jobs by 2040.
- The event will prioritize local enterprise participation in mining value chains and national skills development.
- Over 1,000 high-level delegates from more than 30 countries are expected to attend the summit.
