Name: Mining Indaba
Start: 2026-02-09T10:30:00+02:00
End: 2026-02-12T15:30:00+02:00
Location: CTICC

Ayo Sopitan

CEO & Founder Metalex Commodities

Ayo sopitan is the founder and CEO of Metalex Commodities Inc., which delivers carbon-neutral critical metals from Africa to the world. Metalex mines and processes copper and cobalt material and develops its own nature-based carbon capture projects to offset its mining and processing emissions while also using its mine waste to produce bricks for affordable housing. Prior to Metalex, Ayo held consulting and commodity trading-related roles at Bank of America, Ernst & Young, Accenture, S&P global, and open link financial over a 15-year career. He is an investor in over 25 startups and is a member of several angel networks and syndicates. He holds degrees from Bryant university and New York university and is a fellow at the Legatum Centre for development and entrepreneurship at MIT.

2026 Agenda Sessions

Unlocking Creative Capital for Africa’s Mining Future: Presented by Milken Institute

This panel discussion will explore innovative financial tools to accelerate investment across the mining cycle—from discovery and extraction to processing. Historically, the sector has relied on small-cap funding through Canadian and Australian exchanges. The moment is ripe to develop new strategies for both risk and patient capital that can unlock Africa’s vast mineral wealth, deliver strong returns for investors, and attract new investors to the table. 

The discussion will bring together leaders across established and newer mining operations, banking, government, and African financial institutions to explore innovations in mining finance.

Wednesday 11 February 12:30 - 14:00 Serengeti Stage (CTICC2 - Level 3)

Add to calendar 02/11/2026 12:30 02/11/2026 14:00 Unlocking Creative Capital for Africa’s Mining Future: Presented by Milken Institute This panel discussion will explore innovative financial tools to accelerate investment across the mining cycle—from discovery and extraction to processing. Historically, the sector has relied on small-cap funding through Canadian and Australian exchanges. The moment is ripe to develop new strategies for both risk and patient capital that can unlock Africa’s vast mineral wealth, deliver strong returns for investors, and attract new investors to the table. 

The discussion will bring together leaders across established and newer mining operations, banking, government, and African financial institutions to explore innovations in mining finance. Serengeti Stage (CTICC2 - Level 3) Africa/Johannesburg

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