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In 2026, Mining Indaba will once again place grassroots voices at the heart of Africa’s most influential mining event. Through its Mining Community Voices platform - delivered in partnership with The Impact Facility - Investing in African Mining Indaba (MI26) will ensure that the perspectives of mining-affected communities stand shoulder to shoulder with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers.

The message is clear: the future of mining must be co-created. It cannot be shaped in boardrooms alone - it must include those living the realities of mining every day. Under the 2026 theme “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnership”, MI26 will challenge the sector to move beyond symbolic gestures and embrace genuine collaboration as an imperative part of the mining value chain.

“At Mining Indaba, we believe the future of mining is forged through genuine partnership - where communities, indigenous peoples, industry, and government come together as equal voices,” says Laura Nicholson, Content and Communities Director for Investing in African Mining Indaba. “MI26’s theme, ‘Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnership, challenges us to move beyond tokenism and foster deep, inclusive collaboration.

By centering the perspectives of those most affected, we can unlock innovative solutions that drive equitable growth and sustainable impact across Africa’s mining sector. We are proud to amplify these voices across the entire event, ensuring that community and indigenous representatives actively contribute to conversations that will define the future of mining in Africa.”

The Mining Community Voices initiative has already proven its power to inspire, influence, and drive tangible change. At MI25, five community representatives shared personal accounts of the challenges and opportunities in their regions. Their words cut through the noise - transforming discussions on sustainability, artisanal mining, post-mining livelihoods, and safety into actionable solutions.

At MI25, community voices sparked cross-border collaborations, strengthened advocacy efforts, and launched initiatives that continue to deliver real change across the continent. From Zimbabwe to Nigeria, those voices have since sparked cross-border collaborations, strengthened advocacy efforts, and launched initiatives that continue to deliver real change.

Faith Mutete, Founder and CEO of Women in Mining Zimbabwe, said the platform “brought unprecedented visibility to the struggles and resilience of women in mining communities.”

Sonwabo Modimoeng, Director of Faded Black Innovations, called it “a proof point of how partnerships with industry leaders can turn shared challenges into community-driven solutions.”

Others, like Omaojor Ogedoh of The MOG Foundation, used the platform to launch lasting initiatives: “It brought visibility and credibility to our work, inspiring partnerships that are still driving progress today.”

MI26: Creating a lasting impact on communities

With Africa’s mining sector under mounting pressure to deliver both economic growth and sustainable development, MI26 will elevate the people who can speak most authentically about what works - and what doesn’t - on the ground.

This is not just about storytelling. It is about influencing policy, protecting cultural heritage, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring that growth is equitable and sustainable for generations to come. By prioritising mutual respect, open dialogue, and inclusive decision-making, MI26 reinforces its long-standing commitment to a mining future built on partnership, resilience, and shared prosperity.

Call for video submissions

The 2026 campaign is now open for short, original video submissions (3 - 5 minutes) on the theme “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnership”.

We want to hear your voice - in English or French - on:

• The challenges your community faces from mining activities
• Opportunities for more equitable, inclusive engagement
• Stories of resilience, innovation, or collaboration
• Ideas for how governments, companies, and communities can work together more effectively

Up to 10 selected participants will attend MI26 in Cape Town with flights, accommodation, and delegate passes fully covered — and may have the opportunity to speak on official panels or workshops. Selections will be made by a jury of civil society leaders and past MI25 winners.

Your voice matters. Be heard. Let’s drive progress — together.

MI25 proved that when community voices are amplified, they can move industries and inspire lasting change. MI26 will go further — building partnerships that deliver real impact where it matters most.

Your story could be one of them. Submit your video today!

SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO BY SUNDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER 2025, AT 23:59 GMT!