The European Union (EU) proudly participates in the Investing in African Mining Indaba conference, reinforcing its commitment to fostering sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships with Africa’s mining sector.
The EU, alongside its Member States, banks, and the private sector, stands ready to collaborate with African counterparts to boost the region’s mining industry while ensuring long-term economic growth, environmental sustainability, and innovation.
"The EU is committed to partnering with Africa for a sustainable future. Our presence at this year’s Mining Indaba conference highlights our determination to support Africa’s mining sector through both investment and innovation. Together with our Member States, private sector, and development banks, we seek to collaborate with African countries in building sustainable value chains for critical raw materials—essential for the transition to a green economy and the advancement of technologies that will shape the future of both Europe and our partners." – Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships.
As a demonstration of its commitment, the EU unveiled a 112 m² Team Europe Pavilion at the conference centre. The pavilion serves to showcase the EU’s ongoing investment in Africa’s mining future through Global Gateway. This year's pavilion was made possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of The Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Business France, BRGM (The French Geological Survey), and EIT Raw Materials, highlighting the EU’s united approach to addressing the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.
In parallel to the Mining Indaba the European Union is also building on the success of the inaugural South Africa-EU Investment Seminar in February 2024 with a second edition high-level event that will bring together policymakers and business leaders from both Europe and South Africa to accelerate South Africa's ambition to develop critical raw material (CRM) value chains. The seminar, featuring opening remarks by European Union’s Hors Classe Adviser Henrik Hololei and Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi, and a panel moderated by Council for Geoscience CEO Mosa Mabuza, will explore how sustainable investments, technological innovation, and value chain integration can foster South Africa-EU partnerships
The EU is committed to supporting responsible mining practices and ensuring secure access to critical raw materials (CRMs) for both Europe and Africa. With demand for materials like lithium, rare earth metals, and cobalt expected to rise significantly, the EU’s Global Gateway strategy invests in infrastructure, innovation, and partnerships to meet this growing need. The EU is also collaborating with African nations to strengthen supply chains, promote sustainable development, and foster long-term economic growth through the mining sector.
About the Investing in African Mining Indaba
Since its inception in 1994, the Investing in African Mining Indaba has become a leading global event for mining professionals, investors, and industry leaders. With a focus on promoting sustainable mining practices, technological innovation, and investment opportunities, the conference serves as a vital meeting point for shaping the future of Africa’s mining industry. More information about the Indaba conference, including the programme, participants and press contacts can be found here.
About Critical Raw Materials (CRM)
Critical raw materials are integral to the European Union’s economy, underpinning industries such as manufacturing, technology, and clean energy. These materials are essential to produce everyday goods and the development of advanced technologies, including electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines. As demand for CRM continues to rise globally, ensuring secure and sustainable access to these materials is vital for both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
To ensure a reliable and diverse supply of CRMs, the EU launched the Critical Raw Materials Act – the aim of which is to address the EU’s dependency on imported critical raw materials by diversifying and securing a domestic and sustainable supply of critical raw materials. The CRM Act draws on the list of essential CRMs and lays out several benchmarks by 2030 for the EU’s domestic capacities. For example, by 2030 not more than 65% of the EU’s annual consumption of each strategic raw material at any relevant stage of processing should come from a single third country.
About Global Gateway
Global Gateway is the EU’s strategy for strengthening partnerships with countries around the world through investments in infrastructure, technology, and sustainability. By collaborating with resource-rich nations, including those in Africa, the EU aims to ensure reliable access to critical raw materials while promoting innovation and sustainable development in partner countries.
Between 2021 and 2027, Team Europe will mobilise up to €300 billion of investments for sustainable and high-quality projects, taking into account the needs of partner countries and ensuring lasting benefits for local communities. This will allow EU’s partners to develop their societies and economies, but also create opportunities for the EU Member States’ private sector to invest and remain competitive, whilst ensuring the highest environmental and labour standards, as well as sound financial management.
Details
- Publication date
- 3 February 2025
- Author
- Directorate-General for International Partnerships
- Location
- Cape Town