2024 Agenda Sessions

World Bank

The demand for energy transition minerals (ETM) needed for the global energy transition is expected to increase significantly in the future. This presents Africa with a unique opportunity to promote economic development, diversify industries, and reduce carbon emissions. To support Africa in meeting the growing demand for ETM, a coordinated approach involving the World Bank, international and regional partners, and authorities is necessary.

This event will focus on the unique opportunity for Africa to leverage the mining sector for domestic revenue mobilization and broader structural development. It will emphasize the need for mining countries to benefit beyond mining and highlight the importance of value chain development in Africa to generate development opportunities.

The event will discuss approaches for increasing supply response capabilities, regional development opportunities, renewable energy investments, value addition, human capital formation, and governance. It will emphasize the potential benefits and opportunities for the African mining industry in the context of the global energy transition and decarbonization efforts. Additionally, it will explore how the World Bank can play a role in supporting African countries in maximizing the benefits of the mining sector through dialogue, investment derisking, and assistance in creating enabling environments for responsible mineral investments.

During the panel discussion, government representatives and industry leaders will come together to delve deeper into the demand for energy transition minerals (ETM) and its potential impact on Africa's economic development and carbon emissions reduction. The discussion will focus on exploring strategies and opportunities for Africa to leverage its mineral resources in a sustainable and beneficial manner.

By bringing together key stakeholders, this event aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing to ensure that Africa can harness its mineral resources to drive sustainable development and contribute to the global energy transition.

Breaking the Taboo

•    What are the main corruption risks in mineral supply chains? How can companies ensure they adequately address bribery and corruption risks?
•    More specifically, how can companies downstream of the supply chain exercise more leverage and drive anti-corruption efforts up the supply chain?
•    What role can and should international strategic partnerships under development play in supporting anti-corruption efforts? How much of a priority should this be?
•    What are the challenges and opportunities for domestic and foreign anti-bribery law enforcement in mineral producing countries? How can institutions mandated with enforcing anti-corruption regulations be reinforced?
•    How can civil society organisations be better supported through the course of their investigations? How can their work be better taken into consideration for the purpose of law enforcement and due diligence?

Breaking the Taboo

•    What are the main corruption risks in mineral supply chains? How can companies ensure they adequately address bribery and corruption risks?
•    More specifically, how can companies downstream of the supply chain exercise more leverage and drive anti-corruption efforts up the supply chain?
•    What role can and should international strategic partnerships under development play in supporting anti-corruption efforts? How much of a priority should this be?
•    What are the challenges and opportunities for domestic and foreign anti-bribery law enforcement in mineral producing countries? How can institutions mandated with enforcing anti-corruption regulations be reinforced?
•    How can civil society organisations be better supported through the course of their investigations? How can their work be better taken into consideration for the purpose of law enforcement and due diligence?

Not Letting a Crisis go to WasteNot letting a crisis go to waste – How the renewed geopolitics of mi

• How has international perception & access to Africa changed in light of mineral access and supply concerns?
• What strategic policy initiatives can producers implement to get ahead of the mining paradigm shift in Africa?
• Increased transparency unlocks African investment and increases the stability and security of all-important social licences
• How can multi-lateral partnerships be developed and underpin sustainable value for responsible mining companies?