2026 Agenda Sessions

Progress through private sector partnerships: driving economic recovery

South Africa’s economic revival hinges on robust collaboration between the public and private sectors. This panel examines how strategic partnerships can unlock growth, strengthen resilience, and position the economy for long-term competitiveness – highlighting the pivotal role of the private sector, especially mining, in solving systemic challenges and building a resilient, competitive economy for the future. 

Key discussion areas: 
Logistics management and infrastructure recovery 
Private sector involvement has begun to ease the logistics crisis, but what’s next? How can mining continue to drive improvements in rail and port systems as part of a broader recovery strategy? 
Energy transition and transmission capacity 
Partnerships between coal producers, private players, and government are critical to advancing two priorities: the just energy transition and expanding transmission infrastructure. How can these collaborations balance sustainability with economic imperatives? 
Beneficiation and value addition 
Creating an enabling environment for mineral beneficiation is essential to adding value locally and globally. What policies and partnerships will make this possible? 

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Is resource nationalism paving the way for equitable global partnerships in critical minerals supp

Those practising resource nationalism often seek to maximise revenue, stimulate industrial development and secure strategic control over strategic minerals. Often nations have much to gain during a commodity boom but are left in a weak bargaining position during a slump.When the world is looking for transition minerals, this can often scare foreign investors. Resource nationalism rebalancing traditional global trade partnerships; is it for the better of Africa?

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Rethinking beneficiation through domestic economies

WHAT IF the key to sustainable industrialisation lay not only in policy reform, but in co-creating value chains that serve domestic needs first? Explore how multi-stakeholder partnerships can unlock the full potential of domestic beneficiation by aligning the interests of governments, local mines, communities, and international partners – while developing not only downstream industries but skills and new job opportunities. 

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