Mining was moving “from conversation to conversion,” he said, in a spirit of partnership and collaboration. Mthenjane was speaking during the ministerial symposium on the eve of the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town.

Mthenjane cited ambitious initiatives like the Grand Inga Hydropower project in DRC and the Lobito Corridor through Angola, which have been under discussion for several years, and are now ripe for implementation. However, he said that bringing these ambitious developments to fruition would require regional cooperation – and integrated development.

Mthenjane was in conversation with Kwasi Ampofo, Head of Metals & Mining at BloombergNEF during a session at the ministerial symposium, which drew dozens of government ministers from across Africa, as well as bankers, investors and business leaders.

The ministerial symposium, themed “Banking on Africa: Mobilising capital through partnership,” laid the foundation for the highly anticipated Mining Indaba.

The 32nd edition of the event is set to be the biggest in its history, drawing 10 000+ delegates and thousands of investors, executives and government officials.

The one-day ministerial symposium united key stakeholders, setting a forward-looking agenda for sustainable growth and investment in Africa’s mineral sector. During his session, Mthenjane noted he was seeing a convergence of minds towards integrated development.

“Mineral development is not merely about generating profits,” he said. “It must drive the prosperity of the continent, and meet our responsibility to support the global energy transition.”

Mthenjane’s comments reinforce the statements of South African mineral and petroleum resources minister Gwede Mantashe, who said earlier at the symposium that investment must generate “wealth for communities, and for labour”.

Mthenjane also noted that while capital for mining investment was abundant, it required three fundamental elements: policy certainty, good governance, and good projects.

“Once these elements align, capital will be readily available,” he said.

A recurring theme in discussions during the symposium was the consensus that Africa needed to represent itself with one voice on the global stage, but that this was beginning to emerge.

Despite the complexities inherent in cross-border projects such as Inga and Lubito, Mthenjane said there was a “sense of energy and excitement” around African solidarity, which exceeded previous years.

Driving this new African confidence was recognition of the continent’s undeniable position as a source of the critical minerals vital for the emerging renewable-energy economy.

“The world will not be able to transition without Africa,” Mthenjane declared, painting a picture of powerful prospects for game-changing growth and development.

This potent combination of African consciousness, regional dialogue, and strategic investment will form the foundation of discussions over the coming four days of the Mining Indaba.

When asked to express in one word, his expectations for the mining industry’s flagship event, Mthenjane unequivocally stated, "Progress”.

First held in 1994, Investing in African Mining Indaba is now a pivotal event for mining professionals, investors, and industry leaders. With a focus on fostering long-term economic growth and sustainability, the event is a premier meeting place for networking, deal-making, and discussions shaping the future of mining in Africa. This year’s event takes place under the central theme, "Stronger Together: Progress through partnerships”, and runs from February 9-12, at CTICC 1 and 2 in Cape Town.