INDUSTRY OUTLOOK | Unearthing Economic Growth Through Major Mining Projects

African mines are often hampered by limited infrastructure, which is either defective or too costly to develop. A construction bill exceeding $10 billion has for example long delayed the completion of the Simandou railroad and iron ore export port in Guinea. Yet investing in railways, roads, ports, power plants or refineries not only boosts the profitability of mines, but also opens up new opportunities in the sector and the broader economy. Which development models, such as factoring in access for local populations, privatisation, risk pooling, PPPs and cross-border cooperation, can secure ample funding for African mining infrastructure and generate a virtuous circle of economic growth?
Key points:
- From the Lobito corridor to processing plants: What key infrastructure is needed to win the race for Africa’s critical minerals?
- Sources of revenue, legal and contractual framework, shareholding, management methods, ESG: Meeting the conditions for bankability
- How can mining infrastructure projects be structured to invigorate the rest of the economy?
MODERATOR
Gaëlle ARENSON - Editor-in-chief, Africa Business+
SPEAKERS
Mmusi H.E KGAFELA - Minister of Trade & Industry, Minister of Trade & Industry, Botswana
Michelle PHILLIPS - Group CEO, Transnet SOC Ltd
Lawrence DECHAMBENOIT - Global Head of External Affairs, Rio Tinto
Tony STENNING - Managing Director - Southern Africa , Africa Global Logistics (AGL)
Valerie LEVKOV - Director for Energy, Metals & Mining, and Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory , IFC