South Africa took center stage at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9), hosted in Yokohama, Japan, from 20–22 August 2025. Under the theme “Co-creating Innovative Solutions with Africa”, this year’s gathering attracted more than 190 Japanese exhibitors and 49 African nations, all working to deepen trade, investment, and development partnerships.
Among the country’s most influential voices was Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM), represented by its strong executive team: Dr (HC) Enock Mathebula, Executive Chairman; Graham Soden, Chief Executive Officer; and Tyrone Searle, Chief Financial Officer.
Invited by the South African government to form part of the official delegation, the SMM leadership positioned the mine as a national asset and as a continental game-changer for Africa’s role in the global green economy.
Driving Africa’s Rare Earth Advantage
Steenkampskraal Mine is internationally recognised as one of the world’s richest rare earth deposits, with materials critical for renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, electric mobility, and global technology innovation. At TICAD-9, the SMM executives emphasised how Africa’s resource wealth when responsibly managed and strategically invested can drive sustainable industrialisation and inclusive growth.
- Dr (HC) Enock Mathebula showcased SKM’s role in advancing South Africa’s economic diplomacy, highlighting the synergy between mining, innovation, and social development.
- CEO Graham Soden engaged investors and partners on the mine’s technical excellence, operational readiness, and its potential to secure Africa a firm position in global supply chains.
- CFO Tyrone Searle provided insight into the financial sustainability of the project and its potential to generate long-term returns for investors while empowering local communities.
Together, the executive team positioned SMM as a trusted partner for Japanese and global investors seeking secure, ethical, and sustainable access to rare earths resources that are central to the world’s clean energy transition.
Amplifying South Africa’s Global Voice
Their presence complemented South Africa’s broader mission at TICAD-9, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and supported by cabinet ministers including Ronald Lamola (International Relations and Cooperation), Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande (Science, Innovation and Technology), Parks Tau (Trade, Industry and Competition), Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa (Electricity and Energy), and Dr Joe Phaahla (Health). More than 40 South African companies joined the delegation, demonstrating the nation’s diverse economic strengths during its G20 presidency year.
Within this context, SMM stood out as a strategic showcase of South Africa’s competitive advantage: a globally significant project that merges natural resources with innovation, while reinforcing the country’s reliability as an investment destination.
Building a Future of Shared Prosperity
At the South Africa Business Forum, hosted by Brand South Africa, the SMM executives joined global investors, policymakers, and business leaders in high-level engagements designed to unlock fresh opportunities. Their participation underscored the importance of African businesses taking a proactive role in shaping international conversations on sustainability, energy security, and economic growth.
By aligning world-class mining operations with inclusive community development and strong governance, SMM demonstrated how Africa’s resources can fuel both global innovation and local empowerment.
Africa’s Global Business Voice
Steenkampskraal Mine’s leadership at TICAD-9 was more than a business showcase it was a statement of Africa’s potential. With its rare earths critical to tomorrow’s technologies, SMM positioned itself as a vital link between Africa and the global economy.
The mine’s executives Dr (H.C.) Enock Mathebula, Graham Soden, and Tyrone Searle have set a clear message: Africa is not only ready to supply the world’s future, but also to shape it.
