The Central African Republic is ramping up efforts to transform its underdeveloped mining sector into a cornerstone of economic growth, with Mines and Geology Minister Rufin Benam Beltoungou set to headline discussions at African Mining Week 2026.
Scheduled for October 14–16 in Cape Town, the event will provide a platform for Beltoungou to outline sweeping reforms aimed at attracting international investors and modernizing the country’s mining industry.
His participation signals a broader government strategy to reposition the sector as a key driver of long-term economic expansion.
The Central African Republic, historically known for gold and diamonds, is now seeking to showcase its largely untapped mineral wealth.
The country boasts more than 570 identified mineral occurrences, including uranium, copper, nickel and other resources critical to the global energy transition. Officials believe this potential, if properly harnessed, could significantly boost national revenues and diversify the economy.
Central to this ambition are ongoing reforms to the country’s Mining Code, designed to strengthen the regulatory framework and improve investor confidence.
The government is also digitizing its mining cadastre system with support from the World Bank, a move expected to enhance transparency, streamline licensing processes and improve access to geological data.
These initiatives align with the country’s National Development Plan 2024–2028, which targets over $12.8 billion in investments across priority sectors such as mining and infrastructure.
Recent agreements underscore this momentum, including a $50 million gold development deal and major iron ore contracts tied to vast reserves estimated at billions of tons.
Additional partnerships, including a long-term exploration agreement with a Canadian mining firm, highlight growing international interest in the country’s resource potential.
Meanwhile, efforts such as nationwide geomapping and plans for a national geoscience laboratory aim to deepen geological knowledge and accelerate exploration activities.
At African Mining Week, Beltoungou is expected to present these developments directly to global investors, positioning the Central African Republic as an emerging destination for mining investment and a future contributor to global mineral supply chains.
