President Mahama to Join African Leaders in Kinshasa for Landmark Mining Industrialisation Forum

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama is set to join Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi and other continental leaders for the inaugural Makutano Mining Forum in Kinshasa. Scheduled to take place from November 22 to 25, 2026, the pan-African initiative marks a significant shift in the continent’s approach to its natural resources. The forum aims to position the DRC—a global powerhouse in cobalt and copper production—as a central decision-making hub for Africa’s mining value addition, moving away from the historical trend of exporting raw materials toward high-value industrialisation.

The Kinshasa summit will address critical bottlenecks to local value creation, including mining taxation, stable electricity supply, and the financing of large-scale industrial projects. Beyond economics, the agenda places a heavy emphasis on governance and inclusivity, with specific tracks dedicated to environmental standards and increasing the participation of women within the industry. President Mahama’s attendance underscores Ghana’s own strategic interest in mining governance and its role as a key player in West Africa’s extractive sector, as leaders seek to forge partnerships that keep a greater share of the mining value chain within African borders.

Complementing the industrialisation drive in Kinshasa, the broader security landscape of the sector was recently scrutinised at the sixth West Africa Mining Security (WAMS) Conference in Accra. The Australian High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, Keara Shaw, emphasised that security in the mining sector must evolve beyond site protection to encompass the safety of local communities and the safeguarding of legitimate economic activities against organised crime. Ghana’s Deputy Minister for the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, echoed this sentiment, arguing that mining security must be integrated into national and regional frameworks to mitigate environmental risks and ensure long-term sustainability.

As Africa prepares for these high-level engagements, the convergence of security, industrial policy, and regional cooperation signals a new era for the continent's mineral wealth. By synchronising security frameworks with industrialisation goals, African nations aim to create a stable environment that attracts sustainable investment. The upcoming Makutano Forum is expected to produce actionable partnerships between government officials and financial institutions, providing the necessary roadmap for Africa to finally leverage its mineral resources for comprehensive economic transformation.