2nd Edition of the UK Africa Middle East Critical Mineral Forum
26 November 2025 : 2nd Edition of The Critical Minerals Initiative (CMI) demonstrated the value of convening a genuinely cross-sector and senior audience
The 2nd Edition, held on 26 November, demonstrated the value of convening a genuinely cross-sector and senior audience. Across all panels, discussions brought together traders, researchers, institutional investors, industry leaders, senior government representatives, the diplomatic corps, and UK stakeholders including the Department for Business and Trade, FCDO Services, UK Export Finance, London Metal Exchange enabling conversations that moved beyond policy into delivery and partnership.
Panels examined the UK’s strategic positioning in critical minerals on the backdrop of the newly launched UK Critical Mineral Strategy, Africa–UK–GCC cooperation, and industrial collaboration to support Battery Britain and build resilient energy and defence supply chains.
Guy Kioni joined a panel on Industrial Collaboration models that combine increased midstream processing in Africa with final assembly and manufacturing in the UK a pragmatic, win–win approach aligned with industrial strategy, energy security and long-term partnership.
I would also like to recognise my fellow speakers and contributors, including the Managing Director of the DRC Mining Cadastre Popol Mabolia, Veronica B., CEO of Critical Minerals Africa Group, and Sir Liam Fox, former UK Defence Secretary, with thanks to Paul_Edkins for moderating and guiding a constructive and forward-looking discussion.
Our sincere thanks to all speakers, partners and participants whose engagement made this edition particularly impactful.
As we prepare the next editions, we welcome discussions with partners interested in sponsoring, collaboration or helping shape a focused, outcome-driven platform.
2026 is already shaping up to be a pivotal year for critical minerals and Rare Earth.
What's Critical Minerals Initiative ?
Bridging Britain, Africa and the Middle East through Strong Public-Private Partnerships
The Critical Minerals Initiative (CMI) brings together leaders from the private sector, government, diplomatic, and academic communities to strengthen cooperation across business, policy, and research. It explores the mining, refining, and trade of critical minerals from a British foreign policy and development perspective, with the goal of advancing sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships linking Britain, Africa, and the Middle East.
About
Organised in partnership with Menaf and the Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG), this high-level, invitation-only forum will convene senior representatives from the UK Government, investors, and industry leaders to advance strategic cooperation between Africa, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom. The gathering will focus on developing sustainable, transparent, and resilient critical mineral supply chains that support shared goals in energy transition, industrial development, and responsible mining.
Launched in November 2024 at the inaugural UK-Africa–Middle East Critical Minerals Forum at Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge, the Critical Minerals Initiative (CMI) brings together leaders from government, industry, and academia to drive sustainable partnerships across Britain, Africa, and the Middle East.
The Initiative builds on growing collaboration in the critical minerals sector, identifying strategic investment opportunities, strengthening transparent and reliable supply chains, and advancing shared goals around responsible mining and the transition to net zero.
Through focused sessions and high-level engagement, the CMI fosters collaboration, shapes policy dialogue, and supports the development of a more sustainable and interconnected global minerals ecosystem.
