Investing in African Mining Indaba, Minerals Council South Africa, Wits University and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) have partnered to expand youth access to mining through an enhanced Young Professional Programme.
With 25% year-on-year growth and 600 young participants expected at the upcoming Investing In African Mining Indaba 2026 event (MI26), the initiative will accelerate skills development and position young leaders at the forefront of Africa’s mining transformation.
Wits joins as the programme’s first-ever sponsor, while NYDA, as developmental partner, will unlock access to markets, skills, mentorship and inclusive pathways into the sector.
“The Young Professionals Programme is a vital platform for building the next generation of mining leaders through academic excellence, research and practical engagement,” says Professor Thokozani Majozi, Dean of Engineering and the Built Environment at Wits University. “By strengthening the link between higher education and industry, Wits is helping to shape an inclusive and knowledge-driven future for Africa’s mining sector.”
Mandated to unlock opportunities for young people, the NYDA, says mining remains a cornerstone of Africa’s economic future, making it essential that young professionals be equipped to lead its transformation.
“Through this partnership, we aim to ensure that young people – regardless of background – are empowered to participate, innovate, and take up their rightful place in shaping the future of mining,” says Bonga Makhanya, NYDA Deputy Executive Chairperson.
The refreshed programme sits at the heart of the Mining Indaba NextGen value proposition. This reinforces the MI26 commitment to shaping a skilled, future-ready workforce capable of leading Africa’s mining evolution.
Minerals Council South Africa partnership expands programme influence
For the first time, the Minerals Council South Africa joins as a strategic partner, bringing mentorship access, industry expertise and influential professional networks that will deepen the programme’s impact.
Future-facing, skills-led programme designed for Africa’s emerging mining talent
Reimagined as a practical, youth-driven development platform, the programme meets the needs of early-career professionals and final-year students navigating the modern mining landscape.
Key programme areas include:
- Career pathways in mining and the just energy transition
- ESG leadership and responsible mining
- Scenario-based learning and applied problem solving
- Skills required for Africa’s digitally enabled mining future
The evolution reflects a sector rapidly reshaped by technology, sustainability expectations and new skill requirements.
Laura Nicholson, Product Director for Investing in African Mining Inaba, emphasises this purpose-driven vision:
“The programme ensures that young professionals have a seat at the table as we take the industry into its next era through technology, new skill sets, sustainability and collaborative innovation,” says Nicholson. “They are an important part of the value chain and a priority voice at Mining Indaba.”
Anchored within the Mining Indaba NextGen ecosystem
The Young Professional Programme forms part of Mining Indaba’s broader NextGen suite which also includes:
- Future Leaders x UCT LEAD Programme
- MI26 Industry Voices Influencer Campaign
Together, these initiatives elevate young talent, ensuring their insights are embedded into the continent’s most influential mining conversations.
“LEAD turns individual aspiration into collective capability that creates enduring value for communities, companies and the planet,” says Thabani Mlilo, Adjunct Professor, MD UCT Moahi Sustainable Solutions. “Through our partnership with the Young Professionals Programme, we are cultivating purpose-driven leaders who embed innovation, inclusion and sustainability into every decision.”
Students, recent graduates and early-career professionals are eligible for the programme, if they are under 30 or have fewer than five years’ experience across mining, engineering, finance, law, HR, environmental services and related sectors.
Registration for the programme is now open, a https://miningindaba.com/page/registration.
