Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and DR Congo Push for Greater Regional Mining Cooperation
Mining officials from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo have called for stronger regional value chains and closer regulatory cooperation to attract more global investment into Africa’s mining sector.
Kenyan Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho said African countries should build stronger regional systems instead of competing individually for international mining investment.
Joho made the remarks during the 2026 Egypt Mining Forum in Cairo, where officials from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo also participated.
Discussions focused on mineral exploration, processing facilities, infrastructure, local value addition and improving the investment environment.
The creation of an African Mineral Regulatory Authorities Forum is also intended to strengthen cooperation on regulation and mining governance.
Kenya is seeking to increase domestic processing of strategic minerals including copper, coltan, graphite, nickel, chromite, rare earth elements and niobium instead of exporting them primarily in raw form.
The wider regional approach is intended to strengthen African participation in global supply chains for critical minerals.