Kenya is seeking stronger partnerships with other African countries to attract mining investors and increase the economic benefits of its mineral resources, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho said.

Speaking at the Egypt Mining Forum in Cairo, Joho called on African governments to develop a more coordinated approach to mining, saying cooperation could help the continent compete for a larger share of global investment.

The two-day forum, held on September 28 and 29, 2026, brought together government officials, investors and industry representatives to discuss mineral exploration, investment opportunities and the future of the mining sector.

Joho said African countries needed to rethink how they approach investment, particularly as demand for minerals used in technology, manufacturing and energy continues to draw international attention.

“The discourse on building competitive mining jurisdictions in Africa is both urgent and necessary, particularly as global competition for mining investment intensifies,” he said in a statement shared on his official X account on Tuesday, September 29.

Regional cooperation

Joho said African countries could benefit from developing connected mining corridors supported by infrastructure, mineral processing facilities and regional supply chains.

Such partnerships would allow countries to share expertise, strengthen their mining industries and create opportunities for value addition instead of depending mainly on exporting raw minerals.

The forum also saw the launch of the African Minerals Regulatory Authorities Forum (AFMRA), a platform intended to bring together mining regulators from across the continent.

The initiative seeks to encourage the exchange of expertise, improve mining regulations and promote more consistent policies to support mineral development and investment.

Among the officials attending the Cairo meeting were DRC Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba, Tanzania Minerals Minister Anthony Mavunde and Uganda’s Minister of State for Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro.

Kenya’s mineral investment plans

Kenya is pursuing its own mining expansion, with the government seeking investors to develop mineral deposits and establish local processing facilities.

Joho recently disclosed that Kenya was holding advanced discussions with the United States on a possible partnership to develop critical-mineral processing infrastructure, including refineries and processing plants.

The proposed cooperation is linked to the development of the Mrima Hill deposit in Kwale County, which is known for its rare earth elements and niobium resources.

The government has said it wants to move beyond exporting raw minerals and use the sector to support industrialisation, create employment and generate more income locally.

Kenya’s draft Minerals, Mining and Beneficiation Policy 2026 identifies copper, coltan, graphite, nickel, rare earth elements and niobium as minerals with investment potential.

The policy also highlights the importance of clear regulations and a predictable tax framework in attracting investors and supporting the growth of the mining industry.