African Markets Digitalize Mining Licensing to Boost Investments
Mineral-rich African countries are accelerating the digitization of their mining licensing processes to attract investment and maximize resources to utilize economic growth. As part of the push, Zambia launched its Zambia Integrated Mining Information System last month, aiming to simplify the granting of licenses. The digital platform will play a key role in attracting mining partners and help the country achieve its goal of increasing copper production to 3.1 million tons by 2031. The launch received a record $9.3 billion in sales and sales investment in 2024, and received 79% approval and 79% approval, reflecting growth for Zambia Mining.
As African markets increasingly adopt digital solutions to simplify licensing procedures, Africa Mining Week will be at the forefront of this transformation, demonstrating the huge potential of the digital mining sector on the continent. The event will focus on profitable investment opportunities in various markets, including numerous mining areas licensed by African countries.
South Africa is historically a major gold producer, planning to use its first digital mining licensing system to attract new investors and diversify the mining sector. South Africa’s Mineral Resources and Petroleum Minister Gwede Mantashe said the system will be launched in June 2025 and will increase the efficiency and transparency of the licensing process, thereby reducing the time it takes to start new mining projects, including those with platinum metals.
Tanzania is also simplifying its mining industry with a new licensing management system designed to maximize investment in lithium, graphite and rare earth minerals – commodities experiencing global demand. According to Aziza Swedi, Acting Director of the Tanzanian Mining Commission, the country has issued 54,626 mining licenses in the seven-year period ending November 2024 and plans to accelerate future licensing through its digital platform.
Rwanda launched the Inkomane digital platform in October 2024, accepting digital transformation in its mining sector. Companies such as Aterian have aligned their mineral trading operations with this tool. The platform connects mining companies, trading partners and regulators such as the Rwanda Taxation Authority to improve compliance, labor management, payroll generation and monitoring of mining activities. Similarly, Nigeria launched its mineral resource decision support system in May 2024 to attract investors to gain its massive solid mineral reserves. The platform is a one-stop shop with easy access to geological and policy data while allowing investors to seamlessly apply for mining permits.
As more African countries incorporate digital tools into their mining industry, Africa Mining Week will focus on the digitization of mining operations across the continent. The event will hold discussions about the new licensing system and highlight investment opportunities as African countries unleash their mineral wealth.
Africa Mining Week is the primary platform for exploring various mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held with Africa Energy Week: Africa Energy 2025 Conference in Cape Town from October 1 to 3. Sponsors, exhibitors and representatives can find out more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Distribution by Apo Group on behalf of energy capital and power.
