2026 Agenda Sessions

Italy–Africa: Partnership opportunities in critical minerals

The event “Italy–Africa: Partnership Opportunities in Critical Minerals”, will be held with the presence of Vice Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Valentino Valentini and will deepen the cooperation between Italy and Africa on critical raw materials, with a specific focus on supply‑security requirements and the Italian Government Mattei Plan, the strategic initiative for Africa aimed at fostering equal partnerships grounded in sustainable development. This event addresses the innovative Italian mineral strategy within the European CRM Act, focused on the enhancement of extraction and processing capacities in partner countries. The event will also showcase possible national and multilateral financing tools supporting investments - particularly on risk mitigation, blended finance, and project preparation. It concludes with a corporate segment on “mine‑to‑market” integration, with presentation on Italian and African best practices. 
 

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Country Showcase – Republic of Zambia

Zambia invites investors into a critical phase of its mining transformation, as it spotlights its ambitious aims to expand copper output and capitalise on its rich deposits of cobalt, graphite, and nickel. The 2026 showcase will discuss the Ministry's drive to unlock more than 40 newly released mining licenses, the launch of a special-purpose vehicle to hold at least 30 % state participation in incoming projects, and the push for downstream processing and value addition.

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Has global instability improved Africa’s relative attractiveness to investors?

With volatility in traditional markets, investors are re-evaluating risk across the board. Does a more uncertain global environment make Africa’s growth story more compelling, or does it amplify existing concerns?

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