The Democratic Republic of Congo's capital, Kinshasa, is set to host the inaugural Makutano Mining forum from November 22 to 25, 2026. The event, under the patronage of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, will gather African leaders, mining executives, and investors to discuss mineral processing, project financing, and local business growth. This marks the 12th edition of the Makutano Network's flagship gathering and its first dedicated entirely to mining.
The forum will focus on how mineral-producing countries can capture more value from their resources through industrial development. Discussions will examine the conditions needed to expand local processing, strengthen businesses supplying mines, and create lasting employment in mining regions. The event aims to connect business requirements with government priorities and financing conditions, helping participants identify commitments that could advance mining and industrial projects.
Nicole Sulu, founder of the Makutano Network, emphasized the importance of greater cooperation across the sector to increase the economic benefits African countries receive from their mineral wealth. The gathering seeks to position Kinshasa as a centre for mining partnerships and investment decisions. The event will bring together mining operators, government officials, banks, development institutions, and energy companies to explore investment opportunities and the infrastructure needed to support them.
The provisional programme includes discussions on mining taxation, revenue sharing, transport corridors, electricity supply, and environmental, social, and governance requirements. Other sessions will examine artisanal mining, employment, skills development, innovation, and the participation of women in the sector. The event will feature closed-door sessions, panels, technical sessions, exhibitions, and business meetings.
A dedicated Makutano Mining Deal Room will provide space for closed-door negotiations on projects and partnerships. Organisers plan a "Signature Moment" for participants to announce agreements concluded at the forum. This format aims to connect policy discussions with specific financing opportunities and commercial partnerships.
Confirmed participants include President Tshisekedi and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. Other listed participants include DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba, Glencore DRC Chief Executive Marie-Chantal Kaninda, and representatives of international institutions such as the International Finance Corporation and the World Bank. The full speaker list will be released ahead of the event.
The Makutano Network, founded by Nicole Sulu in 2015, brings together African business leaders, investors, and public officials to develop commercial opportunities and partnerships. With its first mining-focused forum, Makutano is directing those connections towards mineral processing, project financing, and the development of businesses serving Africa's mining industry. The network's previous 11 editions have attracted six heads of state and 5,500 industry leaders, decision-makers, and investors.
Key points
- The Makutano Mining forum will focus on mineral processing, project financing, and local business growth in Africa.
- The event aims to connect business requirements with government priorities and financing conditions.
- The forum has attracted high-profile participants, including President Tshisekedi and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.
