Driving sustainable investment in African Mining

Next Generation at Mining Indaba

Image

NextGen: Shaping the future of Africa

At Mining Indaba 2025, NextGen initiatives were designed to empower young minds by fostering collaboration, mentorship, and interaction between industry stakeholders, young professionals, and higher education institutions. This platform offered the tools, skills, and knowledge needed for the next generation to thrive and innovate in the mining sector. The Mining Indaba 2026 theme, “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships,” calls for a united front to drive transformation across Africa’s mining sector.

As Africa's mining industry increasingly seeks sustainable solutions, the young leaders of today will be the driving force behind the region's economic growth and development. By nurturing their talent and providing them with the necessary resources, we can ensure that the African mining sector not only thrives but also does so in a responsible, sustainable, and dynamic manner.

Interested in taking part in 2026? Register your interest today and receive the latest event updates.

Mining Indaba 2025 Young Leaders Programme: A gateway to leadership and innovation

One of the initiatives under the NextGen banner was the Young Leaders Programme, a collaboration between Mining Indaba and Brunswick. In 2025, this programme served as a unique forum for university students and young professionals to engage with senior leaders from the mining, government, and civil society sectors. By creating these opportunities for dialogue, it helps build a pipeline of talent and fosters the development of essential technical and leadership skills.

Image

At Mining Indaba 2025, the Young Leaders Programme focused on empowering young leaders by equipping them with:

  • Technical skills in mining operations.
  • Leadership qualities to navigate the industry’s challenges
  • Knowledge of sustainable practices that are reshaping the sector

Young leaders could showcase their perspectives on some of the most pressing issues in African mining, sparking discussions that will shape the future of the industry.

Exclusively for students, graduates, and young professionals under 30, the event on Thursday, 6 February 2025 was free for all students with a valid student card and ID. This was an excellent opportunity for those interested in pursuing careers in mining to interact with industry leaders.

2025 Highlights

PhD Speakers Taking the Stage: Fresh ideas, bold perspectives

In an exciting development for 2025, Mining Indaba made history by featuring PhD students as speakers at the conference. These students were part of key discussions such as Tech & Innovation Hub, Sustainability Series, Disruptive Discussions and Intergovernmental Summit programmes. By involving PhD students in shaping industry conversations, Mining Indaba ensured that the next generation's innovative ideas are heard.

These emerging scholars brought new insights and fresh perspectives, offering potential game-changing solutions that could challenge traditional narratives in the mining industry. As they took center stage, their contributions undoubtedly sparked meaningful discussions and inspire transformative change.

Future Leaders: Building connections for transformation

Another key initiative under the NextGen umbrella is the Future Leaders Programme. In partnership with the University of Cape Town’s LEAD Programme, the Future Leaders Initiative connects young professionals with CEOs, government officials, and industry experts. Now in its second year, this initiative highlights the brightest minds in the sector and ensures they are included in critical conversations on the future of Africa’s mining industry.

The programme provides an exclusive platform for LEAD participants to engage directly with industry leaders, offering a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the decision-making processes that will drive the future of mining in Africa. By empowering these future leaders, we aim to equip them with the skills, networks, and knowledge necessary to lead the mining industry towards sustainable growth and transformation.
Find out more

MI26 Influencers: A Movement of Progress

Mining Indaba launched its first-ever MI26 Influencer Campaign — a bold and purpose-driven initiative designed to amplify authentic voices shaping the future of mining in Africa. Rooted in the belief that storytelling drives transformation, this campaign aims to bridge the gap between the mining industry and younger, tech-savvy audiences by showcasing stories of innovation, sustainability, and impact across the mining value chain.

The MI26 Influencer Campaign is a strategic extension of Mining Indaba 2026’s theme: “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships.” By collaborating with influential mining professionals and changemakers, the initiative brings visibility to the often-overlooked human stories behind mining, particularly those of women, youth, and emerging community leaders.

Through this movement, Mining Indaba is no longer just speaking about young people — it’s speaking with them. This is a platform for real dialogue, real stories, and real change - It is a movement of progress.

With momentum building ahead of Mining Indaba 2026, the MI26 Influencer Campaign represents a shift in how the sector builds trust, drives relevance, and empowers the future leaders of African mining. One built on the belief that when industry giants and emerging voices come together, true transformation is not only possible, but also unstoppable.

Join Us at Mining Indaba 2026

The premier meeting place for African and global mining leaders, it is all set to be an unmissable experience, shaping the future of African mining. Register your interest today and stay ahead in this dynamic industry!

Featured Articles