The Simandou Mining Summit, held from November 11 to 13, 2026, in Conakry, Guinea, brought together authorities, local businesses, financial institutions, and mining industry stakeholders. West Africa Exploration (WAF) and Nimba Development Company (NDC) were diamond sponsors of the event and received recognition for their remarkable participation in the 2026 National Mining and Subcontracting Forum (FONASEM). This acknowledgment highlights their commitment to promoting Guinean enterprises and increasing their access to mining sector opportunities.
The three-day summit aimed to ensure that Guinea's mining wealth benefits the country's economy. James Tounkara, President and General Director of WAF and NDC, reaffirmed his commitment to this goal. He praised President Mamadi Doumbouya's leadership in developing Guinea's mining sector and expressed gratitude to the government, economic actors, youth, and diaspora for their contributions. Tounkara emphasized the importance of collaboration between different stakeholders to transform ambitions into concrete perspectives.
During the summit, Tounkara highlighted the significance of FONASEM in bringing together various actors and promoting local content. He stressed that the Simandou project should not be limited to constructing a mine, railway, and port but should be a powerful engine for shared prosperity. Tounkara emphasized that Simandou must be an opportunity for every Guinean to benefit directly or indirectly, and that local content is about converting the country's mineral wealth into wealth for its people.
Tounkara called for an end to past divisions and mistakes, aiming to build a national identity that matches the country's current ambitions. He assured participants of his determination to support this dynamic and emphasized the need for increased involvement of local businesses in the mining sector. Tounkara committed to fully serving this cause, working together with Guinean enterprises, contract by contract, to write the next chapter in this story.
The FONASEM, organized by the Ministry of Mines and Geology, aims to strengthen connections between major clients and national businesses. The event was supported by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Through this recognition, WAF and NDC have solidified their positions as engaged actors in the transformation of Guinea's mining sector, prioritizing local content, the emergence of national businesses, and youth empowerment.
The Simandou 2040 initiative is a key aspect of this transformation, with WAF and NDC playing a significant role. Tounkara expressed his pride in the progress made and his commitment to continuing this work. He emphasized that Simandou 2040 is not just a project but an opportunity for Guinean businesses to emerge, for the country to industrialize, and for the youth to become autonomous.
The recognition of WAF and NDC at the Simandou Mining Summit underscores their dedication to Guinea's mining sector development. Their engagement in promoting local content and supporting national businesses aligns with the country's goals for the sector. As the mining industry continues to evolve, WAF and NDC are poised to play a crucial role in shaping Guinea's economic future.
Key points
- WAF and NDC were honored for their commitment to local mining content at the Simandou Mining Summit.
- The companies' efforts aim to promote Guinean businesses and increase their access to mining sector opportunities.
- The Simandou 2040 initiative is a key aspect of Guinea's mining sector transformation, focusing on local content and youth empowerment.
