From 3-6 February 2025, Business France will showcase French expertise at the Mining Indaba 2025 exhibition in Cape Town, South Africa. This essential event for mining in Africa will gather over 9900 visitors and 1200 exhibitors from around the world.
Africa: A Strategic Market for Mining Looking to Strengthen International Collaborations
Despite challenges such as infrastructure deficits and regulatory uncertainties, the continent’s rich deposits attract significant investment, driving economic growth and development. What has emerged from the challenges has been a need for collaboration: for Africa’s mining and natural resources sector to succeed and benefit from the opportunities that are being presented, partnerships are key. Consequently, governments have an important role to play in implementing clear and supportive policies, improving infrastructure to support mining operations and promoting transparency in the sector. “By engaging with key players and promoting the adoption of more environmentally friendly technologies within the sector, we can create further opportunities to strengthen connections between Africa and France”, says Business France South Africa industry head Stéfane Leny.
The France Pavilion: A Gathering of Leading Companies in Mining
This year, the France Pavilion will bring together several leading French companies, such as:
- EnviroServ – South Africa’s largest waste management company.
- Airbus Helicopters – the helicopter manufacturing division of Airbus and global industry leader.
- ArcelorMittal Wire Solutions – A leading manufacturer of wire products and solutions
- Ceva Logistics – A leading global logistics and supply chain company.
- Natixis – A leading French global financial institution.
- Veolia – The largest private operator of water services in the world.
- Forvis Mazars – A leading provider of audit & assurance, tax, advisory & consulting services worldwide.
- Codra – France’s premier provider of industrial automation and SCADA software solutions
- Titanobel – A leading expert in explosives and industrial blasting solutions.
- Dpia Colaert – A specialist company in suspension systems for land mobility.
- Friedlander – Ortec Group – A major player in construction works and maintenance for heavy industry and mining complexes.
- EO Consulting – A mining technical recruitment solutions specialist firm.
- Technidrill – A drilling equipment specialist company.
- Arethuse Geology – An exploration and mining services consulting company.
- Ultimat – A multi-brand mining solutions aggregator for Africa.
- Igol – A French manufacturer of engine oils and lubricants for several industries.
These companies aim to showcase their mining expertise, reinforcing France’s role as a key partner on the continent.
Opportunities to Strengthen International Collaborations
Team France will comprise of a partnership between the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the European Union, as well as a delegation of French private-sector partners specialising in mining. “Our objective this year is to strengthen France’s mining footprint on the African continent by creating opportunities for collaboration between the local mining industry and France,” says Leny. He explains that Business France will provide a platform for several of the top French companies to showcase their know-how, adding that “our presence at this year’s Mining Indaba aims to provide support to French firms that are interested in connecting with industry stakeholders across the African mining sector”.
Leny points out that Business France’s core values are entrenched in its ability to facilitate partnerships, promote investment, provide expertise and support policy development that may positively impact the mining sector. “We strongly believe that futureproofing the African mining sector is crucial for the growth and industrialization of the continent,” he says, adding that the challenges posed by the mining sector’s significant environmental and social footprint, exacerbated by climate change, can be solved by focusing on building resilience. This approach will help Africa position itself as a key player in the global supply for critical minerals, energy and high-tech industries.
About Business France
Business France is the public consulting company dedicated to the internationalization of the French economy. It is responsible for the international development of companies and their exports, as well as the prospecting and welcoming of foreign investments in France. It promotes the attractiveness and economic image of France, its companies, and its regions. It manages and develops the International Business Volunteering (VIE) program. Business France has over 1,400 employees located in France and in 55 countries.
In 2023, Business France’s support generated an additional €3.3 billion in export revenue for French SMEs/ETIs, representing more than 27,111 jobs created or planned. Business France supported 58% of the 1,815 foreign investment decisions in 2023, representing 67% of the 59,254 jobs created or maintained in the country.
