South Sudan Mining Minister to Speak at African Mining Week

Alongside legislative reforms, South Sudan is preparing its Mining Strategic Plan 2026–2030, a long-term roadmap to unlock the country’s significant mineral potential.

South Sudan's Minister of Mining, Losuba Ludoru Wongo, is set to participate as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW) 2026, where he will present the country's plans to expand its mining sector and attract greater international investment. The event, scheduled to take place in Cape Town from 14 to 16 October, brings together government officials, investors, mining companies and industry experts from across the continent to discuss opportunities shaping Africa's mineral sector.

Wongo is expected to take part in the Ministerial Forum, where he will share updates on South Sudan's mining reforms and outline how the country is positioning itself as a destination for long-term mineral development. His participation comes as South Sudan seeks to reduce its reliance on the petroleum industry by developing mining as a key pillar of economic growth and diversification.

New Laws and Institutions Aim to Strengthen the Sector

The country has recently accelerated efforts to modernise its mining industry through regulatory reforms and policy development designed to improve governance and investor confidence. Earlier this year, South Sudan advanced its Mining Act Amendment Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committees for technical review. The proposed legislation includes several measures intended to strengthen oversight and support local industry development.

Among the planned reforms is the establishment of a National Gold Refinery, which would allow more mineral processing to take place within the country rather than exporting raw materials. Authorities are also proposing the creation of a School of Mines to build technical skills and develop a qualified local workforce for the sector.

The legislation further proposes a specialised Mining Police Unit tasked with tackling illegal mining activities and improving compliance across the industry. Government officials believe these measures will help create a more transparent and structured mining environment while encouraging responsible resource development.

Long-Term Strategy Targets Investment and Infrastructure Growth

Alongside legislative reforms, South Sudan is preparing its Mining Strategic Plan 2026–2030, a long-term roadmap to unlock the country's significant mineral potential. The strategy focuses on resources such as gold, copper, iron ore and rare earth minerals, all of which are viewed as important drivers of future economic growth. It also aligns with broader continental initiatives, including the Africa Mining Vision, which promotes sustainable and inclusive mineral development across Africa.

Mining is also being linked to infrastructure expansion through South Sudan's Gold-for-Roads programme. Under this approach, mineral resources are being leveraged to support approximately $2 billion worth of road construction projects aimed at improving transport networks and opening previously inaccessible regions to economic activity and exploration.

African Mining Week 2026 will provide South Sudan with an opportunity to showcase these developments directly to potential investors and industry partners. The event is expected to serve as a platform for discussions around investment opportunities, sector reforms and strategies that could shape the future of mining across the continent.