Kinshasa to Host Makutano Mining Forum on African Mineral Processing and Investment
Kinshasa will host the inaugural Makutano Mining forum from November 22 to 25, 2026, bringing together African leaders, mining executives and investors to discuss mineral processing, project financing and the growth of local businesses. The event marks the 12th edition of the Makutano Network’s flagship gathering and its first dedicated entirely to mining. Held under the patronage of Democratic Republic of the Congo President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, the forum will focus on how mineral-producing countries can capture more value from their resources through industrial development. Organisers say the discussions will examine the conditions needed to expand local processing, strengthen businesses supplying mines and create lasting employment in mining regions. Focus on Processing Minerals in Africa Makutano Mining will bring mining operators together with government officials, banks, development institutions and energy companies to explore investment opportunities and the infrastructure needed to support them. The forum aims to connect business requirements with government priorities and financing conditions, helping participants identify commitments that could advance mining and industrial projects. Nicole Sulu, founder of the Makutano Network, said greater cooperation across the sector would be essential to increasing the economic benefits African countries receive from their mineral wealth. “If we want to create more value for our countries, we must bring every player in the sector around the same table,” she said. Sulu said the gathering would seek to position Kinshasa as a centre for mining partnerships and investment decisions. Financing, Power and Transport on the Agenda The provisional programme includes discussions on mining taxation, revenue sharing, transport corridors, electricity supply and environmental, social and governance requirements. Other sessions will examine artisanal mining, employment, skills development, innovation and the participation of women in the sector. Events are scheduled to take place at Pullman Kinshasa and the Fleuve Congo Hôtel, with delegations arriving on November 22 ahead of a reception at Villa Immorose. November 23 will feature closed-door sessions involving public officials, Congolese businesses and mining executives, followed by the opening ceremony. Panels, technical sessions, exhibitions and business meetings will follow on November 24, alongside a gala and awards ceremony. The programme will conclude on November 25 with further discussions, keynote interviews and business meetings. Deal Room to Support Project Negotiations A dedicated Makutano Mining Deal Room will provide space for closed-door negotiations on projects and partnerships. Organisers also plan a “Signature Moment”, during which participants will be able to announce agreements concluded at the forum. The format is intended to connect policy discussions with specific financing opportunities and commercial partnerships. Tshisekedi and Mahama Among Announced Participants According to the organisers, confirmed participants include President Tshisekedi and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. The announced line-up also includes DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba, Glencore DRC Chief Executive Marie-Chantal Kaninda, Sicomines Chief Executive Li Sheng and Kibali Gold Country Director Cyrille Mutombo. Other listed participants include representatives of Congolese investment, banking and mining institutions, among them ANAPI, Entreprise Générale du Cobalt, DRC Gold Trading, the Mining Registry and TMB. Representatives of the International Finance Corporation, Africa Finance Corporation, African Development Bank, World Bank, Rio Tinto and ERG are expected to participate. Organisers said the full speaker list would be released ahead of the event. Building on Eleven Editions Founded by Nicole Sulu in 2015, the Makutano Network brings together African business leaders, investors and public officials to develop commercial opportunities and partnerships. The network says its previous 11 editions have attracted six heads of state and 5,500 industry leaders, decision-makers and investors. With its first mining-focused forum, Makutano is directing those connections towards mineral processing, project financing and the development of businesses serving Africa’s mining industry.