Bibeault will participate in a panel discussion on Accelerating the Formalization of Artisanal Miners, where industry stakeholders will explore pathways to integrate artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) into formal mining value chains while improving productivity, environmental standards and community development outcomes.

The discussion aligns with Makor Resources’ approach in Zambia, where the company is supporting ASMntegration through its MineHive program. The initiative provides funding and technical support to ASM operators, strengthening local participation in the copper sector while creating structured pathways into formal supply chains.

Alongside its ASM-focused initiatives, Makor Resources is advancing a district-scale copper exploration strategy across Zambia, supporting the country’s long-term ambition to significantly increase annual copper output. The company is progressing the Muli Copper Project in Central Zambia, while also advancing exploration at the Kangili Copper Project in the Mkushi District.

In early 2026, Makor Resources announced plans to invest up to $3 million by the end of the year to enhance geological understanding across its asset portfolio. The program includes integrated geophysical surveys, remote sensing and systematic sampling campaigns designed to support target definition and resource delineation. These activities form part of a broader investment framework estimated at between $20 million and $30 million over the medium term.

With global copper demand projected to rise significantly in the coming decades, attention is increasingly turning to new supply sources. At AMW 2026, Bibeault is expected to outline how Makor Resources’ Zambia portfolio is positioned to contribute to both national economic development and the broader global energy transition through expanded copper supply.

Mokoatle’s appointment reinforces AMW’s commitment to bringing together leading industry figures to help shape discussions on the opportunities and challenges transforming Africa’s mining sector. It also comes at a pivotal time for the continent’s gold industry, as record gold prices and sustained central bank demand create favorable conditions for new project development and investment.

In his advisory role, Mokoatle will provide strategic guidance on the event’s gold-focused agenda, engage with industry stakeholders and support participation from mining executives, investors and government leaders. His expertise will help ensure AMW delivers practical insights into the trends shaping Africa’s gold industry while fostering partnerships that unlock new investment opportunities.

Taking place under the theme, “Mining the Future: Unearthing Africa’s Full Mineral Value Chain” from October 14–16 in Cape Town, AMW will feature a dedicated Gold Forum examining the key opportunities and challenges across Africa’s gold value chain. Discussions will focus on increasing production, advancing local beneficiation and supporting the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining.

With more than 21 years of mining experience, Mokoatle has held senior technical and operational leadership positions at Gold Fields, AngloGold Ashanti and De Beers. His expertise spans geology, mine management and operational excellence, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the operational and strategic priorities shaping Africa’s gold industry.

At Gold Fields, Mokoatle plays a leading role in advancing the South Deep Mine in South Africa – one of the world’s deepest and largest gold mines – as a cornerstone of the company’s long-term growth strategy. Current initiatives include the South of Wrench development and renewable energy projects designed to improve operational efficiency while supporting Gold Fields’ 2026 production guidance of 2.4 to 2.6 million ounces.

“Benford Mokoatle brings more than two decades of operational and leadership experience in Africa’s gold mining industry. His contribution will be instrumental in ensuring AMW 2026 delivers meaningful outcomes for the sector,” said Rachelle Kasongo, Event Director, AMW. “As African producers expand output to capitalize on strong global demand, his expertise will help shape the program and strengthen dialogue on the policies, partnerships and investment needed to support long-term growth.”

TotalEnergies’ Nigeria Managing Director and Country Chair Matthieu Bouyer will attend alongside former TotalEnergies Managing Director Adewale Fayemi. A strategic player in the country’s upstream market, TotalEnergies continues to operate key deepwater assets in Nigeria and is among the international majors that have maintained offshore investment even as onshore and shallow-water positions have shifted to indigenous firms.

First E&P – which produces approximately 57,000 barrels per day (bpd) – has emerged as an increasingly more prominent player in Nigeria’s oil and gas market. The company has built its portfolio through direct asset development and positioning across the Niger Delta, contributing to the broader expansion of indigenous upstream capacity.CEO and MD Ademola Adeyemi-Bero and Chief Strategy Officer George Toriola will represent First E&P at AEW 2026 as the company assesses opportunities beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Meanwhile, Emadeb E&P continues to increase its portfolio through strategic acquisitions and project advancements. The company achieved first oil at the Ibom Field in 2025, marking the first new shallow-water offshore development in Nigeria in more than 15 years. The company has invested more than $100 million and has further drilling campaigns planned. MD Oluwasegun Ogunsanya and COO Sheriff Adeeyo will both participate at AEW 2026.

SunTrust Atlantic Energies has produced more than 54 million barrels of crude from the Umusadege field in OML 56 since 2008, sustaining output of approximately 10,000 bpd. Founder and Chief Executive Ugo Okafor and Executive Director Rachel Akhuetie will attend AEW. The company’s sustained production from a single marginal field over nearly two decades demonstrates the long-term value available in Nigeria’s upstream portfolio when operators commit capital and operational continuity.

Lekoil will be represented by Company Secretary and General Manager of Legal Gloria Iroegbunam and Chief Technical Officer Sam Olotu. Through its Otakikpo asset, the company commissioned Nigeria’s first indigenous onshore crude export terminal in nearly five decades while expanding gas-to-power infrastructure and advancing commercialization of additional discoveries including OPL 310.

Energia MD and CEO Oladimeji Bashorun and Pan Ocean & Newcross CFO Seyi Oladapo have also joined the conference. Pan Ocean and the Newcross have expanded across producing assets, gas infrastructure and export logistics, and will contribute to discussions on project financing and the capital structures required to sustain Nigeria’s upstream growth. For its part, Energia continues to support Nigeria’s production goals through a growing portfolio of operated and partnered assets across the Niger Delta.

“These operators are drilling new wells, building export terminals and financing offshore developments that did not exist five years ago. Nigeria’s upstream sector is growing not only through asset transfers but through new investment and new production,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

As African energy markets become increasingly interconnected, collaboration between leading operators will be critical to accelerating project development and unlocking new investment. Through their participation at AEW 2026, Nigerian operators are bringing valuable expertise, capital and project execution capabilities to the regional dialogue, reinforcing their role in shaping Africa’s next phase of upstream growth.