Reflections from Indaba 2026: Positioning MIIF for the next phase of strategic growth

After four days of intensive deliberations, the curtains have closed on the 2026 African Mining Indaba, Africa’s premier mining and investment platform, held in Cape Town, South Africa.

Yet the conversations, insights, and partnerships forged during the gathering will extend far beyond the conference halls, meeting rooms and exhibition stands.

Attended by thousands of people from diverse backgrounds, the conference on the theme, “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships,” captured a defining reality: Africa’s mining future will not be unlocked by capital alone, but by collaboration, regulatory clarity, institutional credibility, and well-structured risk-sharing frameworks.

As Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), my participation in the CEO Roundtable during the Ministerial Symposium offered not only an important opportunity but a unique platform to articulate Ghana’s investment-led approach to mineral resource management and to reflect on how the lessons from Indaba reinforce the objectives of MIIF’s 2026–2028 Strategic Plan.

De-risking as the catalyst for investment

One of the most consistent themes at Indaba was the misconception that Africa suffers from shortage of capital.

In truth, global liquidity for mining, particularly in critical minerals and transition metals, remains significant.

The real constraint lies in the shortage of bankable, feasibility-ready projects.

Geopolitical risks, regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure deficits, and weak early-stage project preparation continue to deter large institutional investors.

This reality aligns directly with MIIF’s strategic focus for 2026–2028: positioning the Fund as a catalytic investor that reduces risk and crowds in private capital.

Our strategy recognises that sovereign-backed capital must play a foundational role at early stages of project development through equity participation, structured financing, and platform investments in shared infrastructure.

By assuming measured early-stage exposure, MIIF can help transform technically viable projects into investment-grade opportunities.

Indaba confirmed that this approach is not merely relevant; it is necessary.

Across the continent, sovereign wealth funds are expected to provide governance discipline, credibility, and long-term commitment. MIIF’s mandate uniquely positions Ghana to lead in this space.

Royalty collection to value chain participation

A key takeaway from Ghana’s participation was the clear articulation of a new investment-driven approach to mineral governance, moving beyond the collection and investment of royalties toward active, strategic participation across the mineral value chain to unlock greater value and attract long-term capital.

At Indaba, it became evident that investors value jurisdictions that demonstrate policy consistency, long-term commitment, respect for the sanctity of contracts and have stable political environment.

An institution like MIIF signals predictability, partnership readiness, and long-term commitment.

These attributes are central pillars of our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan, which prioritises portfolio optimisation, disciplined capital allocation, and structured co-investment models.

Discussions on regional integration further highlighted opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Regional processing hubs, cross-border infrastructure corridors, and harmonised standards can transform fragmented national markets into scalable investment destinations.

For MIIF, this opens new pathways, investing not only in domestic mining assets but also in infrastructure and downstream ventures that enhance Ghana’s competitive positioning within a regional framework.

The power of institutional capital

Another recurring theme was the importance of African institutional capital, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and development finance institutions, acting as strategic co-investors.

MIIF’s strength lies in serving as a credible anchor investor. Our long-term capital orientation, governance structures, and alignment with national development priorities make us an effective partner in blended financing models.

Structured partnerships, including co-investment platforms, special purpose vehicles and mineral-backed financing, help us attract global investment while protecting Ghana’s national interests. Our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan explicitly identifies partnership structuring and infrastructure platforms as key growth drivers.

Indaba conversations confirmed that global investors increasingly seek local institutional partners who understand regulatory landscapes and community dynamics. MIIF’s growing track record strengthens our value proposition in this regard.

Digitalisation and regulatory clarity

Investor confidence rests on transparency and reliable data. Discussions around digital cadastral systems, accessible geological data, and streamlined regulatory processes were particularly instructive.

Ghana’s policy reforms, including the removal of VAT on exploration inputs and improvements in licensing systems, were cited as positive signals. However, further progress in digital integration and data transparency will continue to enhance investor confidence.

For MIIF, this reinforces the importance of supporting ecosystem-wide improvements.

Sustainable returns are linked not only to individual projects but also to systemic efficiency. Investments in data platforms, geological mapping, and regulatory digitisation indirectly strengthen portfolio performance by improving the overall investment climate.

Public–private risk sharing

The CEO roundtable discussions emphasised pragmatic public–private partnerships where risks are allocated to those best positioned to manage them.

Governments across the continent must address regulatory and infrastructure risks, power, transport, and water, while private operators focus on operational efficiency and technological execution.

Ghana’s infrastructure partnerships were cited as examples of how strategic collaboration can improve project bankability.

MIIF’s future investments will increasingly incorporate structured risk-sharing frameworks.

Participation in infrastructure platforms linked to mining corridors can reduce cost burdens and enhance viability.

This directly supports our strategic objective of investing in high-impact, long-duration assets that deliver sustainable returns.

Sustainability and responsible mining

Beyond financing, Indaba reinforced the imperative of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) discipline. Investors now demand measurable ESG performance, community engagement, and transparent impact reporting.

MIIF integrates sustainability as a core investment filter. Long-term capital must align with responsible extraction, environmental stewardship, and community development. Sustainable mining is not only a compliance matter; it is central to valuation and access to patient capital.

Our participation in global dialogue strengthens our ability to adopt best practices and align our portfolio with international standards.

Way forward

As an institution, Indaba 2026 was more than a conference; it was a strategic checkpoint.

It affirmed that MIIF’s direction, catalytic capital deployment, structured partnerships, governance discipline, sustainability integration, and regional value-chain participation, is aligned with continental priorities.

The next phase for MIIF will involve accelerating early-stage co-investment pipelines; deepening partnerships with development finance institutions and global asset managers; expanding infrastructure-linked investments that reduce systemic risk; strengthening ESG integration; and leveraging AfCFTA opportunities for regional mineral value chain development.

Ghana’s delegation was at Indaba with a clear purpose: to make an impact and spotlight Ghana as an investment-ready mining jurisdiction.

With the active participation of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, officials of the Ministry, the Minerals Commission, and a strong delegation of Ghanaian mining and investment companies, the country presented a united and confident front.

Indaba 2026 reaffirmed a simple but powerful message: Africa’s mining renaissance will be built not only on what lies beneath our soil, but on how wisely we deploy our capital above it, for the benefit of present and future generations.

The writer is the Chief Executive Officer, Minerals Income Investment Fund