By John Dike, Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, leading a high-level Nigerian delegation to the 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba Conference, Africa’s foremost platform for mining, investment, and policy dialogue.
The Ooni, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC) and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, is leading the delegation as part of Nigeria’s renewed push for strategic partnerships, responsible mineral development, and Africa-driven economic growth.
A statement issued on Monday and signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, disclosed that the monarch arrived alongside prominent members of the National Assembly.
These include Senator Gbenga Daniel, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals; Senator Ekong Sampson; Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Abuja Senatorial District; and Chairman of Romulus Mining Limited, Mr. Segun Adebuti.
According to the statement, the Ooni’s presence at the Indaba highlights Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening investor confidence, promoting sustainable mining practices, and positioning the country as a key player in Africa’s solid minerals value chain.
The 2026 African Mining Indaba officially opened on Monday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa’s legislative capital, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, shared value, and partnership-led development across the continent’s mining industry.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr. Gwede Mantashe, noted that the conference is taking place against the backdrop of growing global uncertainty, heightened geopolitical tensions, and increasing competition among developed economies for access to the natural resources of developing nations.
Mantashe warned that these global dynamics pose significant risks to the sovereignty of resource-rich countries, many of which are in Africa, and called for a united continental response.
Against this backdrop, he described the theme of the 2026 Indaba, “Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships,” as both timely and strategic, urging African nations to act collectively, speak with one voice, and avoid destructive competition in their engagement with global investors and powers.
The minister further stressed the need for deeper cooperation across the entire mining value chain, emphasizing that Africa must not only accelerate responsible exploration and mining but also ensure greater value retention from its vast mineral resources.
The four-day conference, now in its 32nd edition, is expected to attract over 10,500 delegates from across the world, including more than 1,300 global investors, 1,450 corporate executives, and approximately 1,400 government officials.
In addition to a large-scale mining exhibition featuring over 500 companies, the programme includes intergovernmental summits, investment forums, policy dialogues, interactive workshops, and technology and innovation hubs designed to shape the future of Africa’s mining industry.
