By: African mining

Africa is redefining the global mining equation and investors are paying attention. As commodity markets recalibrate and capital chases long-term resilience, Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026 (MI26) is emerging as the linkage of global mining investment.

Commodity cycles, capital flows and Africa’s moment; Renowned investor Rick Rule shared during an interview with MI26 that Africa was the next wave of discovery, highlighting opportunities across gold, silver, oil, gas, nickel, zinc, uranium and coal.

“Over the course of a decade, gold’s nominal price will rise. Investors who understand that dynamic will find generational opportunities in Africa’s mining sector,” said Rule. While gold may experience short-term fluctuations, silver is poised to outperform as supply tightens. Rule also highlighted underappreciated commodities such as oil, gas, nickel and zinc, noting, “The cheapest major commodities often offer the greatest upside for disciplined investors.”

On uranium, Rule emphasised the sector’s structural strength, “The term-based pricing model for uranium allows small producers to lock in credit-worthy buyers for up to 30 years, giving revenue certainty unavailable in other commodities.” Coal, though widely unpopular, presents selective opportunities for those who can identify high-quality operators.

Discussing junior miners, the riskiest yet most rewarding segment, he advised, “The next five years will be extremely kind to investors who do the work. The reward in juniors, particularly those with African assets, will be a function of discipline and insight.”

Arina Biguna, senior Investor Relations Manager at Mining Indaba and host of the discussion, reinforced the strategic alignment, “From the Junior Mining Showcase to the Investment Village, MI26 connects the world’s capital to the continent’s most promising projects. This is where investment flows meet African ambition.”

Bridging capital and opportunity, MI26 brings together the largest gathering of mining companies (from juniors to majors) alongside global investors and financiers, all on the same stage.

For those seeking to deploy capital into high-potential African assets, there is no other event with this depth, reach and curated deal flow.

The MI26 Investment Village is the epicentre of capital engagement and the beating heart of MI26’s financial ecosystem:

• Explorers showcase: A dedicated zone where 40 exploration-stage African companies (with market caps under USD20-million) present their prospects.
• Junior mining showcase: Seventeen junior miners with African assets will exhibit for unmatched exposure and funding opportunities.
• Investment lounge: A private environment where investors and mining executives engage outside the conference hall, informal, high-impact deal flow.
• Curated investment programme: Sessions, panels, and briefings designed specifically for investors seeking insights and access to emerging commodity plays.

The agenda integrates investment into every strand of programming, from “Is the Resurgence of Coal Investment Real?” to panels on Africa’s role in the critical minerals supply chain. It is built for investors demanding foresight, insight and access to emerging opportunities.