Kinshasa is set to host the inaugural Makutano Mining forum from November 22 to 25, bringing together African government leaders, mining executives, investors and development institutions for discussions on mineral processing, industrialisation and financing of mining projects across the continent.
The four-day forum, organised by the Makutano Network, will be held under the high patronage of Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.
According to organisers, Makutano Mining will focus on how mineral-producing African countries can retain more value from their natural resources by expanding local processing, strengthening domestic businesses and attracting investment into mining-related industries.
The event marks a new direction for the Makutano Network, which has held 11 previous editions bringing together six heads of state and about 5,500 business leaders, policymakers, investors and other decision-makers since 2015.
The network says mining has the potential to become a major driver of industrialisation if producing countries can develop mineral-processing capacity and create opportunities for local companies to provide goods and services to mining operators.
However, organisers say achieving that goal will require the right investment, policy and business conditions to support sustainable job creation and income generation.
Makutano Mining is expected to bring together mining companies, government officials, banks, energy firms and development institutions, with discussions intended to align the needs of businesses with government priorities and investment requirements.
“Africa holds the resources, but not yet the rules of the game. If we want to create more value for our countries, we must bring every player in the sector around the same table,” Makutano Network founder Nicole Sulu said.
“From Kinshasa, we want to show that the DRC can become the place where decisions are made, where partnerships are forged and where the prosperity of our continent is built.”
The programme will begin on November 22 with the arrival of delegations and a reception at Villa Immorose.
On November 23, public officials, Congolese businesses and mining executives will hold closed-door sessions before the official opening ceremony.
The third day will feature panel discussions, technical sessions, exhibitions and business meetings, followed by a gala and awards ceremony. The forum will conclude on November 25 after further sessions, keynote interviews and business engagements.
Among the key issues expected to dominate discussions are mining taxation and revenue sharing, transport corridors, electricity supply, environmental, social and governance requirements, artisanal mining, employment and skills development in mining areas.
The forum will also examine innovation in the industry and the role of women in Africa’s mining sector.
A Makutano Mining Deal Room will provide space for closed-door negotiations on potential projects and partnerships, while a special session known as the “Signature Moment” will allow participants to announce agreements reached during the meeting.
The choice of the DRC as host comes as the country continues to occupy a major position in the global minerals industry.
The DRC accounted for about 73 per cent of global cobalt mine production in 2025 and is also described in the document as the world’s second-largest copper producer, giving it a central role in mineral supply chains linked to the global energy transition.
President Tshisekedi and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama are among the confirmed participants.
Other expected participants include DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba, ANAPI Director General Rachel Pungu, Entreprise Générale du Cobalt Managing Director Éric Kalala, DRC Gold Trading SA Managing Director Joseph Kazibaziba, Glencore DRC CEO Marie-Chantal Kaninda and Sicomines CEO Li Sheng.
Representatives from major financial and development institutions, including the International Finance Corporation, Africa Finance Corporation, African Development Bank and World Bank, are also expected to attend.
Mining and investment companies including Rio Tinto, ERG and Sicomines are listed among organisations expected to be represented, while the full list of speakers will be announced ahead of the forum.
Founded in 2015 by Nicole Sulu, the Makutano Network describes itself as a platform bringing together African business leaders, investors and public officials to create business opportunities, partnerships and collective economic strategies.
With the launch of Makutano Mining, the organisation is seeking to place mineral development and African industrialisation at the centre of its 12th edition.
