OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES

 

Analysts are predicting the advent of a new commodity super-cycle, fuelled by increasing demand for energy transition minerals, coupled with  the economic recovery and powered by transformative technologies driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This combination of factors has created an unprecedented opportunity for trade, investment, and mutually beneficial partnerships in Africa. The continent is home to abundant reserves of the world's natural resources that are critical to the global energy transition. The region is, therefore, destined to shape the future, not just for the continent, but the world. In particular, the region's mining operations will benefit from elevated prices. And this has reignited concerns over control and ownership of the continent's natural resources with geopolitics, (energy) poverty alleviation and investment maximization emerging as priorities for policymakers and stakeholders. 

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According to experts, the higher demand  for transition metals will likely incentivise more investments into new mining projects as a response to price rises. The need for massive investments in extraction of these metals raises questions about the myriad impacts of mineral supply chains, from local pollution to global carbon emissions. The prospect of more extraction of minerals, coupled with the geopolitical risks associated with their supply, has led to a renewed focus on the issue of sustainable and responsible mining. ​Thus, the mining and metals industry may be facing a renewed period of intense resource nationalism - which consists in actions of host governments, short of outright expropriation, to take control of economic activities and revenue generated by private enterprises in the extractives sector. The most common issues driving the risk environment in resource rich countries include increasing tax pressures, changing contractual terms, and stronger indigenisation requirements, alongside a worsening of the regulatory climate. 

 

These environmental and socio-economic challenges threaten to undermine the goals of a just energy transition, particularly in mining communities. It is, therefore, critical to ensure that future mining operations in Africa - where a large portion of future supply of critical metals will come from - are aligned with the interests of host communities and the sustainable development goals. Adopting responsible mining practices will enable the mining industry to help ensure a secure and sustainable supply of critical minerals, while also contributing to a just and inclusive transition to a greener African economy. Ultimately, increased cooperation between the public, private and social sector and global partners is vital for Africa to accelerate progress on Agenda 2063 while balancing pursuit of energy security, environmental sustainability and economic growth. 

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AfRise 2024 will explore all these issues at length. Join us for the opportunity to shape the conversation on the role of Africa's critical minerals in the global energy transition and the continent's own push towards a greener economy. With a range of insightful presentations and exciting panels, you will gain invaluable knowledge and connect with thought leaders, experts and practitioners in the fields of resource governance & planning, mining law & policy, renewable energy & technology, and sustainable finance. 

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The expected outcome of the summit will be a published set of substantive policy-based recommendations on new and innovative approaches to navigate the dynamics and challenges of Africa's relationship with core stakeholders in global mining, energy, and financial markets. The participants can look forward to:

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• Understanding the essential role of Africa’s mineral wealth for the energy transition and for the millions of people currently living in poverty in the continent's mining host communities; 

• Exploring ways in which African countries can raise revenues from natural resources to benefit their citizens;

• Learning more about how companies are striving towards responsible mining, and how they can be a part of driving greener opportunities for the future; 

• Gaining insights on the growing demand for green solutions to mitigate environmental challenges, to build more sustainable and resilient critical metals supply chains; 

• Understanding the UK’s strategic interests and unique position of leadership in enhancing international critical metal markets to make them more responsive, transparent and responsible. 

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Don't miss out on this chance to be part of the movement towards a greener, more sustainable and equitable future for Africa and beyond. Register today.