From 22 to 25 November 2026, Kinshasa will host the first edition of Makutano Mining, a pan-African forum dedicated to the industrial development of producing countries and to the financing of mining projects. Held under the high patronage of His Excellency Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it will bring together public officials, industrialists and investors to discuss how more minerals can be processed in Africa and how local businesses can grow.
An edition devoted entirely to mining
After 11 editions that have brought together six heads of state and 5,500 captains of industry, decision-makers and investors since 2015, the Makutano Network is now putting its convening power to work for a sector of strategic importance to the future of the African continent.
Mining is a lever for the industrialisation of producing countries, as mineral processing and the supply of goods and services to mine operators can support the development of local businesses.
But the right conditions must first be in place for these activities to grow and create lasting jobs and income. This is the question the 2026 edition will address.
Bringing together the entire value chain
Makutano Mining will bring mining operators together with public officials, banks, development institutions and energy companies.
The forum aims to match the needs of businesses with investment conditions and government priorities, in order to identify the commitments each party can make.
“Africa holds the resources, but not yet the rules of the game. If we want to create more value for our countries, we must bring every player in the sector around the same table. From Kinshasa, we want to show that the DRC can become the place where decisions are made, where partnerships are forged and where the prosperity of our continent is built,” said Nicole Sulu, founder of the Makutano Network.
Four days of discussions and business meetings
The provisional programme will combine debates and business meetings at the Pullman Kinshasa and the Fleuve Congo Hôtel, according to the following schedule:
- 22 November: arrival of delegations and reception at Villa Immorose.
- 23 November: closed-door sessions between public officials, Congolese companies and mining executives, followed by the opening ceremony.
- 24 November: panels, technical sessions, business meetings and exhibitions, followed by a gala and awards ceremony.
- 25 November: continued sessions, keynote interviews and business meetings, followed by the closing of the forum.
Discussions will cover mining taxation and revenue sharing, transport corridors, power supply, and environmental, social and governance requirements. They will also address artisanal mining, employment and skills in mining regions, innovation and the role of women in the sector.
To take these discussions further, the Makutano Mining Deal Room will host closed-door negotiations on projects and partnerships.
A session dedicated to major announcements, the “Signature Moment”, will then allow participants to present the agreements they have concluded.
The DRC, at the heart of critical minerals
As the world’s leading cobalt producer, with around 73% of global mine production in 2025, and the world’s second-largest copper producer, the DRC plays a central role in the supply chains needed for the energy transition.
This weight in global production gives the country’s industrial choices international significance, both for the development of its own economy and for the supply of its international partners.
Strong Institutional and industry backing
Confirmed participants include H.E. Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, as well as:
Mr Louis Watum Kabamba, Minister of Mines of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Ms Rachel Pungu, Director General of ANAPI; Mr Éric Kalala, Managing Director of Entreprise Générale du Cobalt (EGC); Mr Joseph Kazibaziba, Managing Director of DRC Gold Trading SA; Ms Alice Mirimo, Coordinator of PABEA-Cobalt; Mr Gaudens Kanamugire, Managing Director of Mayfair; Mr Mike-David Mokeni Amisi, Governor of Bas-Uélé; Mr Popol Mabolia, Director General of the Mining Registry (CAMI); Mr Yannick Mbiya, Managing Director of TMB; Mr Kalaa Mpinga, Chairman of the Board of FOMIN; Mr Cyrille Mutombo, Country Director of Kibali Gold; Ms Marie-Chantal Kaninda, CEO of Glencore DRC; Mr Li Sheng, CEO of Sicomines; and Mr Ted Beleshay, Director General of ARSP.
Expected participants also include Mr Baraka Kabemba, Chief Executive Officer of La Générale des Carrières et des Mines (Gécamines SA), as well as representatives of the IFC, Africa Finance Corporation, the African Development Bank, the World Bank, Rio Tinto, ERG and Sicomines.
The full list of speakers will be announced in the run-up to the forum.
About the Makutano Network
Founded in 2015 by Nicole Sulu, the Makutano Network brings together African business leaders, investors and public officials with the aim of fostering value-creating synergies, generating concrete opportunities and building collective economic intelligence.
Over 11 editions, the Network has brought together six heads of state and 5,500 captains of industry, decision-makers and investors. At once a network of influence, a space for co-creation and a movement of conviction, it champions a strategic, confident and bold Africa that turns its resources into sovereignty. With Makutano Mining, the Network is taking this ambition to the heart of the sector that will shape much of the continent’s industrial future.