President Hichilema Champions African Unity and Strategic Partnerships at Mining Indaba 2026; Women in Mining Stress Inclusive Participation

Cape Town, South Africa — In a keynote address at the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town on Monday, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, urged African nations and industry stakeholders to strengthen strategic partnerships that unlock the continent’s mineral potential for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.

Speaking under the conference theme “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships,” President Hichilema emphasised that Africa’s abundant mineral resources, particularly critical minerals essential for global energy transition, must be harnessed through collaboration rather than isolation. “Africa holds critical minerals for the continent itself and for the world,” he said, stressing that unlocking prosperity requires collective effort and complementary strengths among African states and investors.

The Zambian leader highlighted his country’s reform trajectory, noting that governance stability, regulatory certainty and investment in technology have helped drive growth and rebuild confidence in the mining sector. He pointed to concrete progress at home, including improved economic performance and stronger investor reception, which he linked directly to policy consistency and openness.

President Hichilema also reiterated that mining should benefit not only companies and governments but everyday Africans. “When there is inclusion, there is invested interest,” he said, underscoring the importance of structuring mining activity so that ordinary citizens see tangible outcomes from resource wealth — such as employment, education and community development.

Platform for Women’s Voices in Mining
Responding to the President’s address, Ms. Natasha Pillay, CEO of Shefah Resources, praised the Mining Indaba as a crucial platform for women in the sector. She noted that events like the Indaba offer space for women to share their lived experiences and amplify their contributions across the mining value chain.

“Too often, women in mining have been on the periphery, observers rather than participants,” Ms. Pillay said. “Mining Indaba gives women a voice, enabling us to articulate our challenges, celebrate our successes, and influence the decisions that shape the industry.”

Ms. Pillay stressed that representation matters not only in boardrooms but across exploration sites, supply chains, and community engagement initiatives. “This platform highlights that women are integral to the mining value chain, as innovators, leaders, entrepreneurs and technicians. For the sector to thrive, it must intentionally create opportunities where women don’t just participate, but lead.”

She also encouraged industry stakeholders to support mentorship, skills development and inclusive policies that lower barriers for women entering mining careers.

Shared Vision for Africa’s Mining Future
The President’s address at the Mining Indaba reinforced a shared African vision of mining as a driver of economic transformation, not just extraction. By calling for deeper intra-continental partnerships and investment that benefits communities, Hichilema’s remarks resonated with delegates seeking sustainable and equitable growth pathways.

Meanwhile, industry voices like Ms. Pillay’s signal a broader push within the sector for diversity and inclusion, acknowledging that a competitive and resilient mining future depends on the active engagement of all stakeholders, including women.