Cairo, Egypt — October 5–7, 2026 — Africa’s mineral resources, critical minerals and the future of African industrialization will take center stage next week when the Third Congress of Africa’s Mineral Resources Development (CAMRED III) opens at the Hilton Cairo Grand Nile.
Held under the theme “Africa’s Wealth for Africa,” the three-day congress will bring together African government and industry representatives, mining companies, investors, development institutions, technology providers, chambers of commerce and mineral-sector organizations for discussions focused on turning Africa’s mineral resources into value-added industries, jobs and regional supply chains. (CAMRED)
The congress is organized by the Africa Business Council’s Minerals Resources Development Cluster together with the Minerals Africa Development Institution (MADI), with the African Union Commission and UNIDO participating as collaborators. The Open Society Foundations is listed as a strategic partner supporting the congress. (CAMRED)
High-Level Speakers
CAMRED III has confirmed a diverse group of speakers from African institutions, mining companies, business organizations and civil society.
Among the confirmed speakers are H.E. Mrs. Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Mining at the African Union Commission; H.E. Dr Amany Asfour, President of the Africa Business Council; and Hon. Mohamed Abou El Enein, Chairman of Cleopatra Group and Chair of the Investment Cluster of the Africa Business Council. (CAMRED)
Other confirmed speakers include Deprose Muchena, Director of Resources Futures, Africa Critical Minerals at Open Society Foundations; Mahmood Ahmadu, Group Chairman of MAG Group; Dr Agostinho Kapaia, Chairman of the Board of OPAIA Group; and Dr M’Zée Fula Ngenge, President of the African Diamond Council. (CAMRED)
The mining sector will also be represented by Ambassador Bridgette Motsepe, Founder and Chairperson of Mmakau Mining; Eng. Hoda Mansour, President of AngloGold Ashanti Egypt and Board Member of Sukari Gold Mines; and Engr. Shuaibu Kabir Bello of Nigeria. (CAMRED)
Critical Minerals, AI and the African Mine
Technology is a major component of the Cairo programme.
One of the opening day’s sessions, “Technology, Innovation and the Future African Mine: AI, Digitalization and Smart Mining,” will examine digital transformation, geological intelligence, automation and advanced exploration and processing technologies. (CAMRED)
For Africa’s emerging mineral-intelligence ecosystem, the focus on geological intelligence and digitalization is particularly significant. Technology providers are being brought into the same environment as mining operators, investors, government agencies and mineral authorities.
The programme also addresses critical minerals for Africa’s energy transition, beneficiation and processing, local content, investment, infrastructure, AfCFTA integration and regional mineral corridors. (CAMRED)
From Mining Potential to Investment Deals
CAMRED III is designed to go beyond conference presentations.
The programme includes dedicated B2B and B2G matchmaking, giving mining companies, investors, governments, technology companies and other participants opportunities to develop business relationships and projects. Day three includes a session on financing Africa’s mineral transformation, focusing on moving mineral potential toward bankable projects. (CAMRED)
Another session will examine how AfCFTA, infrastructure and regional corridors can connect mineral-producing countries with processors and manufacturers across the continent. (CAMRED)
Exhibition Floor
CAMRED’s exhibition floor will operate alongside the plenary sessions, providing space for mining companies, mineral authorities, financiers, suppliers and technology organizations.
The official exhibition currently lists organizations including African Union institutions, UNDP, UNECA, UNIDO, the International Trade Centre, COMESA Business Council, Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, FEWACCI, EACCIA, PAFTRAC and the Pan-African Manufacturers Association. (CAMRED)
Mining and industrial participants include Sukari Gold Mines, AngloGold Ashanti Egypt, Grizzly Mining, Hummerston Minerals, MAG Group, OPAIA Group and Mmakau Mining, alongside technology and specialist organizations such as SecureOneLabs and research institutions including BRGM and Wits School of Governance. (CAMRED)
A Platform for African Mineral Intelligence
For African technology and media organizations, CAMRED also presents an opportunity to follow the emerging intersection of mining, artificial intelligence, geological data, infrastructure and investment intelligence.
That intersection is increasingly important as African countries seek greater participation in processing, manufacturing and regional mineral value chains rather than exporting raw materials alone.
For panafrican.email, the congress provides an opportunity to report directly from the African mining and investment ecosystem while following developments in critical minerals, smart mining, geological intelligence and African industrialization.
Media Accreditation Still Open
CAMRED has opened free press accreditation to working journalists, photographers and camera crews. Accredited media receive access to the congress sessions, press area, interview opportunities with speakers and delegations, and photography and filming access subject to onsite protocol. (CAMRED)
The official deadline for press applications is October 3, 2026. The organizers recommend applying early, particularly for journalists who require visa-support documentation. (CAMRED)
CAMRED also says it is working with a limited number of media partners. Media partners can receive logo placement, press passes and priority interview access in exchange for pre- and post-event coverage. (CAMRED)
Event Details
Event: CAMRED III — Third Congress of Africa’s Mineral Resources Development
Dates: October 5–7, 2026
Venue: Hilton Cairo Grand Nile, Cairo, Egypt
Theme: Africa’s Wealth for Africa
Focus: Critical minerals, beneficiation, investment, local content, technology, geological intelligence, smart mining, AfCFTA and African value chains
Press accreditation: Free for eligible working media; applications close October 3
Organizer: Africa Business Council — Minerals Resources Development Cluster, with MADI
Strategic partner: Open Society Foundations
Collaborators: African Union Commission and UNIDO (CAMRED)
Official website: camred.org
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