IDC’s Role in Africa’s Mining Future to Take Center Stage at African Mining Week.

Tuesday 22nd July 2025

Por inAfrika Reporter

Thabiso Sekano of South Africa’s Industrial Development Corporation will headline a key panel at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW), spotlighting the investor perspective in financing Africa’s mineral industrialization. As Head of Mining and Metals at IDC, Sekano brings a wealth of insight into innovative financing solutions for the mining and energy sectors.

He will share recent success stories, including a R622 million investment in Theta Gold Mines for gold extraction projects in Mpumalanga. This facility is expected to yield over 1.2 million ounces of gold, create jobs, and boost national revenue. IDC also approved a R1.6 billion package to support ArcelorMittal’s operations, preserving thousands of jobs in the steel industry.

Beyond South Africa, IDC’s regional footprint includes a potential $16 million loan to Giyani Metals in Botswana, aimed at enhancing lithium-ion battery supply chains. The agency is also backing small-scale miners through a R400 million Junior Mining Fund launched in 2024 to ease financing barriers.

Energy and mining synergies are another area of focus. Four utility-scale projects financed by IDC are now contributing 219 MW to South Africa’s grid. The agency also signed a EUR 17 million deal with KfW to develop green hydrogen, strengthening South Africa’s PGM sector in the process.

At AMW 2025, Sekano is expected to underline the IDC’s role in fostering a sustainable, inclusive mining sector one aligned with Africa’s evolving energy and industrial priorities.