Accra, Ghana – The 19th edition of the West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX), scheduled for June 3-5, 2026, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, is set to convene key government officials from Nigeria, Mali, and Ghana. The event, which has received formal endorsement from Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, aims to foster critical discussions on the mining and power sectors’ role in the region’s sustainable development.
Government Endorsement and Ministerial Participation
Ministers Oladele Henry Alake of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Development, John A. Jinapor of Ghana’s Energy and Green Transition, and Pr. Tiémoko Traoré of Mali’s Energy and Water have confirmed their attendance. This high-level government participation highlights WAMPEX’s growing significance as a platform for addressing policy, investment, and operational challenges within West Africa’s resource-rich economies.
Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources officially endorsed the expo on May 4, 2026, signaling its commitment to the event’s objectives. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), the sector’s minister, is slated to address attendees during the opening ceremony on June 3rd.
Adele Tolken, Events Director at dmg events, emphasized the importance of this government engagement. “Having ministers from Nigeria and Mali address the conference, alongside the formal endorsement and participation of Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, gives WAMPEX a level of government engagement that reflects the importance of what is being discussed in that room,” Tolken stated. She added that the combination of high-level policy dialogue and a large exhibitor showcase makes WAMPEX a valuable event for industry professionals.
Conference Theme: Accelerating Sustainable Development
The two-day conference program will revolve around the central theme: “How can responsible mining and power accelerate West Africa’s sustainable development?” Discussions will tackle pressing issues including fiscal regimes, state ownership, critical mineral strategies, supply chain traceability, community engagement, regional security, and the financing of the mining and energy sectors.
The agenda features a mix of panel discussions, keynote speeches, one-on-one sessions, and sponsor presentations across three concurrent halls. This structure allows delegates to delve into topics most relevant to their operations and strategic interests.
Key Speakers and Industry Representation
Beyond the ministerial addresses, the speaker lineup includes prominent figures from the mining and energy industries. Michael Edem Akafia, President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and Vice President of External Affairs at Gold Fields West Africa, will chair the opening ceremony.
Joshua Mortoti, CEO of Vortex Resources, and Catherine Kuupol Kuutor, Tarkwa Mine Manager at Gold Fields Ghana, are scheduled for significant one-on-one sessions. Dr. Ken Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, will moderate these discussions.
The event will also host senior representatives from companies and organizations such as Atlantic Lithium, Newcore Gold, Sandvik Mining, Endeavour Mining, the Ghana GoldBod, the Minerals Commission of Ghana, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, the Geological Survey Authority, and the Environmental Protection Authority. International entities like SOPAMIB (Société de Participation Minière du Burkina Faso) and the Ivorian and Togolese Chambers of Mines will also be present.
Exhibition Features and Global Participation
The accompanying exhibition will feature over 250 exhibitors from 26 countries across 5,000 square meters of space. Seven countries—Mongolia, France, South Korea, Belgium, Italy, Slovakia, and the UAE—are making their debut at WAMPEX this year.
The exhibitor base is balanced, with 51% local and 49% international participants. This mix underscores WAMPEX’s role in connecting West African businesses with global suppliers and technology providers.
Notable exhibiting companies include AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields B5 Plus, Newmont, Zijin, Dutylex, Hexagon, FLSmidth, Liebherr Ghana, Sandvik Mining and Construction Ghana, Epiroc Equipment Ghana, Scania West Africa, Cummins Ghana, Weir Pumps, and Diemme Filtration.
Additional event features include an Innovation Hub offering workshops and live equipment demonstrations, as well as a gala dinner. These elements provide further opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange.
Implications and Future Outlook
The strong ministerial presence and government endorsement at WAMPEX 2026 signal a collective regional focus on leveraging the mining and power sectors for sustainable economic growth. The conference’s theme directly addresses the need for responsible practices that can drive development while mitigating environmental and social impacts.
The event’s agenda, covering critical minerals, community development, and financing, is set to inform future policy decisions and investment strategies across West Africa. The high number of international exhibitors and debut countries suggests growing global interest in the region’s resource potential and the evolving business landscape.
Attendees can expect insights into how regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and collaborative approaches are shaping the future of mining and energy in West Africa. The discussions are likely to influence strategies for attracting investment, enhancing local participation, and ensuring that resource extraction contributes positively to the region’s long-term prosperity.
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