The Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG), an advocacy organisation dedicated to positioning Africa at the forefront of global critical minerals policy, will co-host a key event at the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2025 in Cape Town.
In partnership with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and chaired by CMAG’s Chief Strategy Officer, Olimpia Pilch, the event is set for 1 PM local time on Monday, 3rd February. The panel will feature prominent figures, including:
• Sameh Shenouda, Chief Investment Officer, AFC
• Nyoko Isabela, Head of Mining Finance, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated
• Namrata Thapar, Global Head of Mining, International Finance Corporation
Key Topics of Discussion
Also read: Women in Energy: Africa Energy Indaba 2025 champions gender diversity
The panel will address pivotal topics, including:
• The strategic importance of critical minerals for Africa.
• How global demand is reshaping the market for critical minerals.
• The role of a diverse energy mix in Africa’s clean energy transition.
• Strategies for de-risking investment in critical minerals.
• Lessons from successful projects worldwide.
• Actionable steps to secure Africa’s position in global supply chains.
Breaking Down Barriers
Olimpia Pilch emphasised the complexities surrounding financing critical minerals projects, citing price volatility, geopolitical risks, and limited non-China customers as significant obstacles. She highlighted the need for specialist finance and diverse financiers at different project stages to ensure successful development.
“I am excited to host this panel and discuss the realities of attracting African and foreign finance into critical minerals projects,” Pilch stated. “We’ll explore what needs to change for Africa to leverage its abundant mineral wealth, generate growth, and drive industrialisation.”
Also read: Africa’s Critical Minerals: Partnerships and Innovation
Unlocking Potential Through Resilient Supply Chains
Veronica Bolton Smith, CMAG’s CEO, remarked on the alignment between Mining Indaba’s theme, “Maximising Africa’s Critical Minerals Endowment”, and CMAG’s mission. She stressed the importance of building resilient, diversified supply chains that benefit local communities and facilitate market entry for international players.
“Africa needs investment to unlock the full potential of its critical minerals,” Smith said. “Conversations like this, along with actionable insights, play a crucial role in attracting that investment.”
A Vision for Growth
This panel is a pivotal opportunity to address current barriers and propose strategies for transforming Africa’s critical minerals endowment into sustainable economic growth, industrialisation, and global supply chain integration. The discussion promises to set the stage for meaningful change in Africa’s critical minerals sector.
