Join us for coffee and networking

With

Scott Cowan, CEO, Africa Legal

Kevin Lester, Strategic Advisor, SkyBlue Africa Advisory

As global powers compete for control of the minerals that fuel defence technologies and the energy transition, Africa has become the decisive frontier in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.

This high-level discussion explores how defence-critical minerals (such as germanium, antimony, tungsten, and titanium) and energy transition minerals (including lithium, cobalt, and copper) are creating two distinct markets- each with its own strategic drivers, investors, and influence networks.

Leaders will examine how Africa can navigate these competing priorities through diplomacy, regional alignment and robust legal frameworks- transforming global competition into strategic cooperation and positioning the continent at the centre of the world’s next growth cycle.

Join us for a well-deserved refuelling break and digest the morning

As global capital shifts toward clean energy, traditional carbon-based fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—are increasingly underfinanced. Yet across Africa, these fuels remain essential to powering industry, mining operations, grid stability, and economic growth. The slow and costly rollout of renewables means that carbon-based energy will continue to underpin development for years to come.

This session explores how Africa can navigate this financing dilemma across both the energy and mining sectors: securing investment for the carbon-based fuels and energy systems needed today, while building credible, just, and sustainable transition pathways for tomorrow. The discussion will also consider how constrained financing affects mineral production, value-addition goals, and Africa’s position in global supply chains.

Panellists;

Mohamed Stevens, Legal Counsel, African Legal Support Facility

This quick fire offers practical insights into how mining and energy companies can manage financial stress, rebuild investor confidence, and achieve sustainable recovery. It highlights collaboration between legal and finance teams, responsible restructuring practices, and strategies such as M&A and portfolio optimisation to restore value and long-term stability.

With

Amaechi Nsofor, Partner, Head of Africa, Grant Thornton UK Advisory & Tax LLP

Legal certainty and trusted governance are the cornerstones of sustainable investment. This panel will explore how strong, transparent legal systems, proactive dispute prevention and credible dispute resolution mechanisms can underpin Africa’s next phase of sustainable growth, ensuring the continent is both a safe destination for capital and a leader in fair, balanced investment governance.

Panellists:

Jamie Doyle, Head of Legal & Commercial, Africa, Perenti Group

Abdoul Karim Kabèlè Camara, Vice-President Government and External Affairs, Fortuna Mining Corporation

This session discussed how clear regulation and strong legal execution can help Africa capture greater value from its minerals through processing, manufacturing, and trade. We will explore smarter permitting, harmonised local content rules, ESG integration and cross-border frameworks under AfCFTA showing how practical legal design will define whether Africa builds a truly competitive, value-adding extractives industry.

With

Warren Beech, Chief Executive Officer, Beech Veltman Incorporated

Jasmine Abrahams, Vice President, Sustainability, Ivanhoe Mines

A candid conversation with a senior industry leader exploring how vision, resilience, and integrity guide leadership through Africa’s energy transition. The discussion reflects on balancing investor and community needs, navigating political complexity and building trust through ethical, transparent decision-making.

With

Richard Blunt, Global Chair of Baker McKenzie’s Energy & Infrastructure Group, Baker McKenzie

With

Scott Cowan, CEO, Africa Legal

Kevin Lester, Strategic Advisor, SkyBlue Africa Advisory

Time to reconnect with old friends and meet new.

Join us for bubbles, music, cocktails, canapés and more!