The Minerals Africa Development Institution (MADI) proudly participated as a partner and exhibitor at the 14th Mineral Wealth Conference, held from 24th to 25th September 2025 at the Kampala Serena Hotel. Organized by the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Mines (UCEM) under the theme “Sustainable Mineral Development through Collaboration, Innovation & Green Transitions,” the event brought together key players from government, industry, academia, and civil society to discuss the future of Uganda’s mineral sector.
The conference featured insightful panel discussions, high-level keynote addresses, and dynamic exhibitions, all aimed at accelerating investment and value addition within Uganda’s mining industry.
MADI’s Exhibition: Advancing Value Addition Across the Mineral Value Chain
At the conference exhibition, MADI showcased its ongoing work in promoting value addition within Uganda’s mineral value chains. One of the highlights of MADI’s booth was its demonstration of the Katwe Salt Project, an example of how local mineral resources can be transformed into high-value products through sustainable practices and local innovation.
The Katwe model illustrated MADI’s commitment to moving Africa from a raw material exporter to a producer of refined and market-ready products. Through this initiative, MADI advocates for community-centered development, ensuring that resource-rich regions benefit directly from mineral-based economic activities.
Visitors to the MADI exhibition also engaged with interactive displays and publications detailing the institution’s research and policy recommendations on:
- Strengthening regional mineral value chains
- Developing industrial linkages between small-scale miners and large investors
- Promoting green and responsible mining practices
- Encouraging local beneficiation and regional trade integration
Uganda: Africa’s Next Mineral Frontier
In her keynote address, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, emphasized Uganda’s readiness to partner with investors in transforming its mineral sector. She described Uganda as “Africa’s next mineral frontier,” blessed with abundant gold, copper, iron ore, lithium, cobalt, graphite, and rare earths, and a vibrant youthful population ready to power industrialization.
“With abundant energy and fertile land, Uganda is positioned to grow its economy tenfold by 2040 through industrialisation, value addition, and strategic partnerships,”
— Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.
According to the Ministry’s recent figures, Uganda hosts over 50 known mineral types, including an estimated 31 million tonnes of gold, 560 million tonnes of iron ore, and 7.8 million tonnes of copper.
Critical Minerals, Responsible Mining, and Innovation
Among the key panels was the Critical Minerals and Geopolitics discussion, exploring how Uganda’s mineral wealth positions it within the global energy transition. With rising demand for battery minerals such as lithium and cobalt, Uganda’s deposits present immense potential for future global supply chains.
Social responsibility was also a central theme. Mr. Famari Baroo, Country Director of Save the Children, called for an end to child labour in mining and urged stronger collaboration between the government and private sector to safeguard children’s rights. Meanwhile, Mr. Richard Henry Kaijuka, UCEM founding member, advocated for increased investment in women miners and emphasized the cost and importance of mineral exploration, highlighting UCEM’s recent discovery of a promising mineral belt in Northern Uganda.
A fireside chat on Artificial Intelligence (AI) further explored how cutting-edge technology is transforming exploration and mineral management, driving efficiency and sustainability in the sector.
Forging Partnerships for a Sustainable Future
The 14th Mineral Wealth Conference once again proved to be more than just an event, it was a hub of connection, innovation, and opportunity. For MADI, it reaffirmed the importance of regional collaboration, investment in value addition, and sustainable mineral development as central pillars for Africa’s transformation.
As MADI continues to advance its mandate of promoting inclusive, sustainable, and value-driven mineral development across Africa, its participation at this year’s conference reflected a clear message:
Africa’s minerals hold the key to prosperity — but value must be created here, at home.
