Kevin Lester, Strategic Advisor, SkyBlue Africa Advisory

Join us for coffee and networking

With Scott Cowan, CEO, Africa Legal Kevin Lester, Strategic Advisor, SkyBlue Africa Advisory

With Dr Martyn Davies Chairman Downstream & Industrial Committee, Mining Indaba

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 and energy transition minerals are creating two distinct markets each with its own strategic drivers, investors and influence networks. We will examine how mining companies can navigate these competing priorities through diplomacy, regional alignment and robust legal frameworks building global partnerships that convert geopolitical pressure into shared value, resilience and long-term growth for Africa. Moderator | Lachlan Poustie, Partner, A&O Shearman Panellists; Dr. Gracelin Baskaran, Director, Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Christopher Vandome, Senior Research Fellow, Africa Programme and Global Economy and Finance Programme, Chatham House Kate Southwell, SVP Group Legal Counsel, Anglo American Ivan Grbešić, Partner, Stikeman Elliott

As artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making and ESG obligations converge, mining and energy companies face rapidly evolving governance challenges. AI tools promise efficiency and insight, but also raise complex legal, ethical and regulatory questions around data use, accountability, transparency and risk. This session explores how legal leaders can move beyond compliance to build robust AI and data governance frameworks that support ESG commitments, protect stakeholder trust and enable responsible innovation. Presented by John Edokpolo, Head of Legal Affairs Africa, Microsoft

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

As global finance accelerates toward clean energy traditional carbon-based fuels are increasingly constrained by global capital and ESG pressures. Yet they remain essential to powering Africa’s mining operations, industrial growth and near-term energy security. While renewables are the long-term solution, the cost and rollout realities of green infrastructure mean carbon-based fuels still play a critical role today. This session examines how Africa can finance the energy it needs now while building credible, investable transition pathways exploring innovative financing structures and governance models, alongside the regulatory conditions that shape what capital will fund and on what terms. The discussion will consider evolving licensing regimes, carbon policy, ESG disclosure requirements and political risk, and how stronger transparency and accountability can unlock investment and support sustainable, inclusive growth. Moderator | Richard Morgan, Senior Advisor, Kroll Panellists; Mohamed Stevens, Legal Counsel, African Legal Support Facility Johanna Alida Rossouw, Snr Legal Advisor, Vedanta Zinc International Heidi Sternberg, Mining Sector Specialist, Public Investment Corporation Themba Mnguni, Senior Legal Counsel, NOA Group

This high impact conversation explores practical lessons from raising finance in Africa’s gold sector including what investors look for, how projects build credibility, and how companies protect value through market cycles. The discussion will also unpack where funding strategies often go wrong, why deals fail, and how businesses can respond by restructuring not only to survive, but to unlock growth, restore confidence, and strengthen long-term viability. It will include capital structuring, stakeholder alignment and the growing role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in enabling infrastructure and de-risking projects. With Amaechi Nsofor, Partner, Head of Africa Business Group, Grant Thornton UK Advisory & Tax LLP Segun Lawson, CEO, Thor Explorations Ltd Saheed Ahmed, CEO, Cap9Minerals Inc.

Take a break and join us for lunch.

With Hon. Anthony Peter Mavunde, Minister for Minerals, United Republic of Tanzania

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. Moderator | Liz Snodgrass, Partner, Three Crowns Panellists: Jamie Doyle, Head of Legal & Commercial, Africa, Perenti Group Claudia Salomon, President, ICC International Court of Arbitration, International Chamber of Commerce Bianca Déprés, General Counsel, Resolute Mining Limited Abdoul Karim Kabèlè Camara, Vice-President Government and External Affairs, Fortuna Mining Corporation

This session examines how clear regulation, effective negotiation 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 AfCFTA-aligned cross-border frameworks showing how practical legal design and stakeholder communication 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 Allison George, Senior Strategic Advisor, Dss+

A candid conversation with Fortuna's President and CEO Jorge A. Ganoza 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 Jorge A. Ganoza, President, CEO, and Director, Fortuna Mining Corp.

With Kevin Lester, Strategic Advisor, SkyBlue Africa Advisory Daniel Driscoll, Head of Natural Resources, Gowling WLG

Time to reconnect with old friends and meet new. Join us for bubbles, music, cocktails, canapés and more!