The organisers of DRC Mining Week, the region’s longest-running and most influential mining platform, have unveiled what it will focus on in June this year, including an expanded vision for investment, industrialisation, and cross-border collaboration in the heart of Africa’s mining capital.

Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo – 17–19 June 2026

DRC Mining Week, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s longest-running and most influential mining platform, has officially launched its 2026 teaser brochure — unveiling an expanded vision for investment, industrialisation and cross-border collaboration in the heart of Africa’s mining capital.

Taking place from 17–19 June 2026 in Lubumbashi, the event will once again convene mining operators, global investors, EPCs, OEMs, technology providers, financial institutions and government leaders shaping the future of mining in the DRC and across the continent.

As the world intensifies its focus on critical minerals, copper, cobalt and battery metals, the DRC remains central to the global energy transition. The 2026 edition builds on this momentum — shifting from conversation to implementation.

 

A Platform Driving Industrial Growth

The newly released teaser brochure outlines an enhanced 2026 agenda designed to address:

• Value-chain development and in-country beneficiation
• Infrastructure and power solutions for mining growth
• ESG and responsible sourcing frameworks
• Financing mechanisms and project bankability
• Regional and international partnerships

With increasing global interest from countries including China, Australia, the United States, Canada, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the European Union, DRC Mining Week 2026 is positioned as a critical meeting point between African mineral producers and international capital.

Why 2026 Matters

The DRC produces over 70% of the world’s cobalt and is Africa’s largest copper producer. As industrialisation accelerates under national leadership priorities, mining stakeholders are under pressure to move beyond extraction toward sustainable, localised economic growth.

DRC Mining Week serves as the neutral business platform where:

• Mining houses meet solution providers
• Investors assess bankable projects
• Governments engage with private sector partners
• Regional operators align on infrastructure and logistics

The 2026 programme will feature high-level conference sessions, strategic roundtables, technical workshops and an international exhibition showcasing cutting-edge mining technologies and services.

Building on Legacy, Expanding Opportunity

With more than a decade of convening the sector, DRC Mining Week continues to evolve alongside the industry. The teaser brochure signals a renewed focus on:

• Attracting senior decision-makers
• Expanding international participation
• Strengthening upstream and downstream representation
• Increasing investor and EPC engagement
• Deepening collaboration across Africa’s mining jurisdictions

As preparations intensify, stakeholders are encouraged to secure early participation to maximise visibility and commercial opportunity.

Download the Teaser Brochure

The 2026 teaser brochure provides a comprehensive overview of participation opportunities, sponsorship packages, exhibition options and strategic themes.

To download the brochure or enquire about participation, visit:
www.DRCMiningWeek.com

DRC Mining Week dates and venue 2026:
– Expo and conference: 17–19 June 2026
– Location: The Pullman Grand Karavia Hotel, Lubumbashi, DRC

Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org), the flagship philanthropic initiative of Alibaba Philanthropy and the Jack Ma Foundation, has opened applications for its 8th edition, calling on African entrepreneurs who are building businesses defining the continent’s future.

 

Launched under the theme “Defining Africa’s Future Today”, the 2026 edition reinforces ABH’s role as a founder-first platform supporting Africa-led solutions with the ambition, scale, and substance to drive lasting economic transformation.

Across the continent, entrepreneurs are solving real problems with bold, innovative solutions—from climate-smart agriculture and digital finance to healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. Africa’s Business Heroes is committed to identifying these founders, accelerating their growth, and elevating their stories to inspire and shape Africa’s future.

“Africa’s future is being shaped by entrepreneurs who are addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges and unlocking its economic potential,” said Zahra Boateng-Baitie, Managing Director for Africa at Africa’s Business Heroes. “Beyond the USD 1.5 million in grant funding, ABH is a transformational platform that equips founders with the visibility, mentorship, and strategic support they need to scale sustainable businesses. Our commitment is to ensure that entrepreneurs are both recognised and empowered to build enterprises that create jobs, drive innovation, and fuel inclusive growth across Africa.”

In 2026, ABH will deepen its on-the-ground engagement across the continent by visiting ten African markets. In line with its commitment to being truly pan-African and inclusive. The programme will prioritize countries that have been underrepresented in its Top 10 finalists to date, including Namibia, Tunisia, and Zambia. These visits will bring together local entrepreneurs, ecosystem partners, and investors through community-building events, workshops, and tailored founder engagements—strengthening local ecosystems and expanding access to the ABH platform.

In addition, this year ABH will expand its recognition pool by announcing Top 100 Finalists rather than a Top 50. This reflects both the growing demand and interest in the competition and ABH’s ambition to spotlight a broader range of innovative and inspiring African businesses. Since 2019, applications have grown from approximately 10,000 to over 30,000 annually. By recognising more high-potential founders, ABH aims to deepen its impact, provide greater visibility to emerging entrepreneurs, and strengthen its role as a leading platform celebrating Africa’s next generation of business leaders.

More Than a Competition

Now in its eighth year, Africa’s Business Heroes has evolved beyond a prize competition into one of the continent’s most respected entrepreneurship platforms. The programme combines grant funding with training, mentorship, and long-term community support, enabling entrepreneurs to build businesses designed to last.

Each year, ABH awards USD 1.5 million in grant funding to ten outstanding entrepreneurs. Shortlisted heroes also gain access to capacity-building programmes and join a growing pan-African network of peers, investors, and ecosystem leaders.

Past Top 10 finalists also have the opportunity to participate in a fully sponsored immersive learning experience at Alibaba’s campus in Hangzhou, China. The programme enables entrepreneurs to connect with one another, engage directly with the Alibaba ecosystem, and gain exposure to global best practices in innovation, digital transformation, and scaling technology-enabled businesses. The latest cohort of past Top 10 finalists will travel to Hangzhou in September 2026.

A Proven Platform for African Entrepreneurs

The 7th edition of Africa’s Business Heroes concluded in December 2025 with Diana Orembe of Tanzania, Co Founder and CEO of NovFeed, named Africa’s Business Hero. Her biotech venture transforms organic waste into sustainable protein for animal feed, addressing food security and environmental sustainability challenges across Africa.

“Winning Africa’s Business Heroes was transformative for NovFeed,” said Diana Orembe,“The funding will accelerate our growth, but just as important was the business training, visibility, and network we gained through the programme. ABH challenges you to refine your vision, strengthen your strategy, and think bigger about your impact. It’s not just about the finale, it’s about becoming part of a community committed to building Africa’s future.”

Last year’s edition attracted over 31,000 applications from across the continent and awarded USD 1.5 million in grant funding to ten finalists representing 7 African countries, reflecting the depth and diversity of the continent’s entrepreneurial pipeline.

Who Should Apply

Applications are open to founders from across Africa who:

• Are citizens or legal residents of an African country
• Lead a registered business headquartered in Africa
• Have demonstrated 3 years or more of traction
• Show a commitment to positive societal impact

ABH is a sector agnostic competition and welcomes applications across all sectors critical to Africa’s future, including: food systems, climate and energy, fintech and financial inclusion, health, logistics, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and more.

Applications Now Open

Entrepreneurs defining Africa’s future are encouraged to apply. Applications can be submitted in English or French.

Applications close on April 28th 2026.
Apply at: www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org

WASHINGTON, D.C., United States of America, March 2, 2026/APO Group/ –U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright will return to Powering Africa Summit (PAS), taking place in Washington, D.C. on 19-20 March 2026, where he will take part in a fireside chat focused on energy access and clean cooking.

 

Having provided a keynote address and participated in a fireside chat at the 10^th anniversary PAS 2025, Secretary Wright will again join policymakers and industry leaders at this year’s Summit to discuss US-Africa cooperation across energy infrastructure, critical minerals and investment strategies.

Building on last year’s focus, ‘The Future of the US & Africa Energy Partnership’, PAS 2026 will analyse how US foreign policy is transforming under the current administration, including through investment-led commercial diplomacy.

Within this year’s theme, ‘Powering the US-Africa Partnership: Energy Infrastructure, Critical Minerals & Investment Strategies’, a spotlight will be shone on progress since PAS 2025, and the role of reciprocal agreements in advancing critical minerals development and increasing trade between the US and Africa.

Some of the Summit’s key sessions will explore large scale infrastructure investment, guarantees and financing, and how gas strategies between the US and Africa are increasing energy security and bilateral trade, with several senior government leaders set to attend, including:

• H.E. Honourable Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President, Liberia
• H.E. Honourable Dr. Eng. Habtamu Itefa Geleta, Minister of Water & Energy, Ethiopia
• H.E. Honourable John Abdulai Jinapor, Minister for Energy & Green Transition, Ghana

Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), will be in attendance to provide welcome remarks at the summit, alongside Adam Cortese – CEO of renewable energy solutions specialist Sun Africa – who will provide the summit sponsor welcome address.

Cortese commented: “Sun Africa is proud to sponsor the Powering Africa Summit 2026 at this transformative time for US-Africa energy collaboration. Secretary Wright’s continued leadership and engagement underscore the growing commitment to practical, investment-driven solutions that expand energy access and unlock opportunities in critical minerals and infrastructure. We look forward to meaningful dialogue with ministers, policymakers, and industry partners to advance win-win initiatives grounded in pragmatism and profitability, ensuring sustainable success that will withstand the test of time.”

Senior representatives from other leading global organisations, agencies and institutions include:

• John Jovanovic, Chairman, U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM)
• Nicholas Checker, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State
• Thomas Hardy, Deputy Director & COO, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)
• Daniel Petrie, Acting Chief of Staff, Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)
• Nancy Rivera, MD, U.S. International Development Finance Group (DFC)

Simon Gosling, Managing Director of EnergyNet, commented: “We’re delighted to be back for the 11th Powering Africa summit in Washington DC next month, and of course to be welcoming Energy Secretary Chris Wright back to the Summit to meet with stakeholders and to discuss the future of US/Africa relations. At last year’s Summit the Secretary talked about America’s [all of government approach] to partnering with African nations, and we’re pleased to have confirmed such a broad, high level representation from across State, Energy, Exim, DFC, MCC and Commerce to provide those necessary insights into the Trump Administration policies…”

Alongside Summit Sponsor Sun Africa, Petrodex joins as the Lead Sponsor, Genesis Energy as the Networking App Sponsor, and Lagos State Office of Works as the African Government Partner. Other sponsors include Endeavor Energy, Denham Capital, Mission 300 and HYDRO-LINK. Associate Sponsors include Absa, Alliant, Allied Talent Partners, A&O Shearman, Nant Power, NRECA International and McDermott, Will & Schulte.