Africa is experiencing a transformative period of mining development because billions of dollars are being invested in strategic mining initiatives throughout the region. The mining projects bring out extensive mineral resources while simultaneously creating new business opportunities and building local infrastructure as well as industrial expansion. The following analysis examines ten vital mining projects for 2026 together with their financial effects and their respective promoters.
1. Algeria – Bled El Hadba Phosphate Megaproject ($7 Billion)
Promoters: Joint venture between Algerian government and Chinese partners.
Origin Countries: Algeria and China.
Impact: With 1.2 billion tonnes of phosphate ore, this project will produce 6 million tonnes of fertiliser annually, positioning Algeria as a global fertiliser supplier.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Agribusiness, logistics, packaging, and transport services.
Spillover Sectors: Fertiliser distribution, agro-processing, and export logistics.
2. Zambia – Kansanshi Copper Expansion ($1.25 Billion)
Promoters: First Quantum Minerals (Canada) and ZCCM-IH (Zambia).
Origin Countries: Canada and Zambia.
Impact: Expansion will boost copper output to 250,000 tonnes/year and extend mine life to 2040.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Equipment maintenance, workforce training, housing, and catering.
Spillover Sectors: Renewable energy, mining tech, and local fabrication.
3. Guinea – Simandou Iron Ore Project ($1 Billion+)
Promoters: Rio Tinto (UK/Australia), Chalco (China), Winning Consortium Simandou (Singapore), and the Guinean government.
Origin Countries: UK, Australia, China, Singapore, Guinea.
Impact: One of the world’s richest iron ore deposits; includes 600 km of rail and port infrastructure.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Construction, hospitality, and supply chain services.
Spillover Sectors: Rail logistics, port operations, and regional trade.
4. Mali – Goulamina Lithium Project ($500–700 Million)
Promoters: Leo Lithium (Australia) and Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium (China).
Origin Countries: Australia and China.
Impact: West Africa’s first lithium mine; 500,000 tonnes/year spodumene concentrate.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Transport, safety equipment, catering, and training.
Spillover Sectors: Battery recycling, green energy, and mineral testing.
5. Zambia – KoBold Metals AI Copper Exploration ($500 Million+)
Promoters: KoBold Metals, backed by Breakthrough Energy Ventures (USA).
Origin Country: United States.
Impact: AI-driven exploration at Mingomba could yield 300,000 tonnes/year of copper.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Tech startups, data analytics, geospatial services.
Spillover Sectors: AI training, digital mapping, and mining software.
6. Zimbabwe – Kuvimba Lithium Project ($310 Million)
Promoters: Kuvimba Mining House (state-owned, Zimbabwe).
Origin Country: Zimbabwe.
Impact: 600,000 tonnes/year lithium concentrate; supports industrialisation.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Construction, water supply, community services.
Spillover Sectors: EV components, mineral processing, export logistics.
7. Ghana – Ewoyaa Lithium Project ($250–300 Million)
Promoters: Atlantic Lithium (Australia/Ghana).
Origin Countries: Australia and Ghana.
Impact: Ghana’s first lithium mine; 365,000 tonnes/year spodumene concentrate.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Engineering, training, haulage, and community engagement.
Spillover Sectors: Tech-enabled mining, green finance, and regional trade.
8. DRC – Kipushi Zinc Mine ($200–250 Million)
Promoters: Ivanhoe Mines (Canada) and Gécamines (DRC).
Origin Countries: Canada and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Impact: 278,000 tonnes/year zinc concentrate; 96% recovery rate.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Environmental monitoring, transport, and community development.
Spillover Sectors: Zinc-based manufacturing, infrastructure, and vocational training.
9. Mauritania – Tasiast Gold Mine Expansion ($150–200 Million)
Promoters: Kinross Gold Corporation (Canada).
Origin Country: Canada.
Impact: 600,000 ounces/year gold; operational efficiency and job creation.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Local contracting, food services, equipment leasing.
Spillover Sectors: Jewelry manufacturing, fintech, and tourism.
10. Angola – Luele Diamond Mine ($100–150 Million)
Promoters: Sociedade Mineira do Luele (Endiama and international partners).
Origin Countries: Angola and global partners.
Impact: 628 million carats; diversification from Catoca mine.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Artisanal mining support, gem certification, retail.
Spillover Sectors: Diamond cutting, luxury goods, and export services.
These ventures serve as more than extraction sites because they establish platforms which drive inclusive development and business creation and regional change. The mining renaissance in Africa through AI copper exploration in Zambia and Algerian fertilizer megaprojects generates sector-wide impacts that reach transportation systems and technological infrastructure and power generation and additional industries.