African countries rich in minerals are accelerating the digitalization of their mining licensing processes to attract investment and maximize resource exploitation for economic growth. As part of this push, Zambia launched its Zambia Integrated Mining Information System last month, aiming to streamline the awarding of licenses. The digital platform is set to play a key role in attracting mining partners and help the country reach its goal of increasing copper production to 3.1 million metric tons by 2031. This launch follows a record-breaking $9.3 billion in mining investments in 2024 and a 79% increase in permits granted, reflecting growing global interest in Zambia’s mining potential.
As African markets increasingly adopt digital solutions to simplify licensing procedures, African Mining Week will be at the forefront of this transformation, showcasing the vast potential of the continent’s digitalized mining sector. The event will highlight lucrative investment opportunities across various markets, featuring numerous mining blocks being licensed by African nations.
South Africa, historically a major gold producer, plans to leverage its first digital mining licensing system to attract new investors and diversify its mining sector. Set for launch by June 2025, the system will improve the efficiency and transparency of the licensing process, reducing the time required to initiate new mining projects, including those for platinum group metals, according to Gwede Mantashe, South African Minister of Mineral Resources and Petroleum.
Tanzania is also streamlining its mining sector with a new licensing management system designed to maximize investments in lithium, graphite and rare earth minerals – commodities that are experiencing soaring global demand. According to Aziza Swedi, Acting Director of the Tanzania Mining Commission, the country has issued 54,626 mining licenses over a seven-year period through November 2024, with plans to expedite future licensing via its digital platform.
Rwanda has embraced digital transformation in its mining sector with the launch of the Inkomane Digital platform in October 2024. Companies such as Aterian have aligned their mineral trading operations with this tool. The platform connects mining companies, trading partners and regulatory bodies like the Rwanda Revenue Authority, enhancing compliance, workforce management, payroll generation and monitoring of mining activities. Similarly, Nigeria introduced its Mineral Resources Decision Support System in May 2024 to attract investors to its vast solid mineral reserves. The platform serves as a one-stop shop, offering easy access to geological and policy data while enabling investors to seamlessly apply for mining permits.
As more African nations integrate digital tools into their mining sectors, African Mining Week will spotlight the digitalization of mining operations across the continent. The event will feature discussions on new licensing systems and highlight the investment opportunities emerging as African nations unlock their mineral wealth.
African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town.
Africa Fact: The Songhai Empire of 16th century West Africa had a government position called Minister for Etiquette and Protocol.
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Patrice Motsepe – Founder of ARM (African Rainbow Minerals): After a successful career as a lawyer at Bowman Gilfillan, in 1997, Motsepe launched a business of his own called ARM (African Rainbow Minerals). He turned it into one of the largest mining and mineral groups in the world. Since then, he has diversified into several other key sectors, including financial services. In 2008, Motsepe became a billionaire and the first black African on the Forbes list. In 2016, he invested in a USD1 billion fund as part of the Breakthrough Energy Coalition, launched by Bill Gates. He also launched a new private equity firm, African Rainbow Capital, which is focused on investing in Africa. In 2017, he was ranked as South Africa\’s fifth richest person, with a fortune exceeding R1.3 billion.