Uganda has renewed its push to become one of Africa’s leading mining investment destinations, with the government using this year’s Mineral Wealth Conference and Expo to attract global investors into mineral processing, refining and manufacturing as part of the country’s industrialisation agenda.
The 15th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference and Expo 2026 will be held on September 29 and 30 at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme Beneath the Surface: Unlocking Africa’s Next Mining Powerhouse. The event will be followed by a three day investment excursion across Eastern Uganda from October 1 to 3, giving delegates an opportunity to explore the country’s mineral prospects firsthand.
Speaking during the launch of the conference on Wednesday, 16, State Minister for Minerals Phiona Nyamutoro said Uganda’s vast mineral endowment presents an opportunity to create jobs, expand local industries and build long term national wealth through value addition rather than relying on raw mineral exports.
“Our ambition must go beyond simply knowing what lies beneath our soil. We must translate our mineral potential into productive investment, employment, industrial capacity, value addition and sustainable national wealth,” Nyamutoro said.
Uganda has identified more than 58 categories of minerals, with high resolution aeromagnetic surveys mapping significant areas for exploration and investment. The country’s strategic minerals include rare earth elements, gold, iron ore, phosphates, graphite, cobalt, copper, lithium, coltan, limestone, marble and vermiculite, resources that are increasingly important for electric vehicles, clean energy technologies, electronics, steel production, fertiliser manufacturing and construction.
The government says developing these resources locally is central to its broader economic transformation strategy, which seeks to increase industrial output while expanding opportunities for Ugandan businesses and workers.
“For too long, mineral producing countries have captured only a limited share of the value generated from their resources. Uganda must pursue a different path,” Nyamutoro said.
She called on investors to participate across the entire mineral value chain, from exploration and mine development to processing, refining, manufacturing and mining technology.
“We welcome investors who are ready to work with Uganda not only in exploration and extraction, but also in processing, refining, manufacturing, technology and other value addition opportunities,” she said.
The conference comes as Uganda continues implementing reforms under the Mining and Minerals Act, 2022, which introduced a modern licensing system, strengthened regulation and placed greater emphasis on value addition, environmental protection and local participation in the sector.
Nyamutoro said formalising artisanal and small scale mining remains a key government priority, noting that thousands of Ugandans depend on the sector for their livelihoods.
“Our approach is not simply to remove miners from the sector, but to support them to operate legally, safely, productively and responsibly,” she said.
She added that formalisation would improve miners’ access to legitimate markets, financing, modern technologies and skills while strengthening accountability within the industry.
The minister also emphasised the need for responsible mining practices that protect workers, communities and the environment.
“We must develop a mining sector in which economic opportunity and responsible resource governance go hand in hand,” she said.
Organisers expect the conference to build on the success of previous editions, which have attracted more than 1,000 delegates annually from over 52 countries and helped create investment and business partnerships across Uganda’s mineral sector.
This year’s event will feature business to business engagements and a dedicated Deals Room where investors, financiers and project developers will explore partnerships and commercially viable projects.
Nyamutoro said the future of Uganda’s mining industry must also create greater opportunities for young people and women by expanding their participation as entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, researchers and technical professionals.
“Mining should not only generate government revenue. It should create jobs, businesses, skills, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities,” she said.
As preparations for the conference gather pace, she said Uganda’s focus has shifted from identifying mineral deposits to building industries that can transform those resources into lasting economic value.
“There is significant opportunity beneath the surface. Our responsibility now is to unlock that opportunity responsibly, strategically and for the benefit of the people of Uganda,” she said.
