African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, scheduled for October 1–3 in Cape Town, will spotlight women’s growing influence in Africa’s mining sector by launching a Women in Leadership Forum. The dedicated platform aims to connect female leaders from across the mining value chain with global investors, strategic collaborators, and new project opportunities.
Women are playing a transformative role in the industry by driving policy reforms, securing investment, managing key enterprises, and promoting mineral diversification across the continent. Among them is Bogolo Kenewendo, Botswana’s Minister of Mining, who is pushing for structural changes to attract investors and enhance the country’s diamond industry. Notably, in early 2025, Botswana signed a landmark agreement with De Beers that will see the country’s share of rough diamonds from the Debswana partnership rise from 25% to 50% over the next decade, while also extending Debswana’s mining licence by 25 years. The diamond sector remains crucial to Botswana, contributing 80% of exports and a quarter of its GDP.
Uganda is also seeing female leadership take charge of mining growth. Energy and Mineral Development Minister Ruth Nankabirwa is fostering strategic partnerships to rejuvenate the sector. In March 2025, Uganda signed its first Mineral Production Sharing Agreement with Sarrai Group Limited and Nile Fibreboard Limited to redevelop the Kilembe copper mines. The country is also working with Ionic Rare Earths to commence rare earth production at the Makuutu Project by 2026.
In Malawi, Mining Minister Monica Chang’anamuno is focusing on mineral diversification and governance improvements. The World Bank forecasts Malawi could generate up to $30 billion in mineral revenues between 2026 and 2040, thanks to uranium, graphite, and rare earth projects. Lotus Resources is preparing to begin uranium production at the Kayelekera Mine in Q3 2025. In 2024, Malawi also set up its first Mining Regulatory Authority to streamline processes and support project execution.
The private sector features several women at the forefront of change. Kelly Ayuk Mealia, co-founder and Chairperson of Energy Capital & Power – AMW’s organiser – actively champions investment and development across Africa. Marie-Chantal Kaninda of Glencore DRC plays a key role in maintaining the DRC’s status as a global leader in cobalt and copper. Nolitha Fakude, Chair of Anglo American South Africa, is a prominent advocate for ESG and diversity, while Exxaro Resources CEO Nombasa Tsengwa leads one of South Africa’s major coal producers.
Other influential women include Elizabeth Rogo, CEO of Tsavo Oilfield Services in Kenya; Naomi Biney, CEO of Goldridge Ghana Limited; and Nneka Ezeigwe, CEO of Eta Zuma Mining and Industries in Nigeria.
The Women in Leadership Forum at AMW 2025 will not only celebrate women’s contributions to the mining industry but also showcase how they are reshaping it for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. African Mining Week will run alongside the African Energy Week 2025 conference.
