The French Trade Commission, referred to as Business France, will again attend the Investing in African Mining Indaba, which will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, from February 5 to 8.

However, for the first time, Business France will have a dedicated “Team France” stand, hosted in partnership with the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, as well as a delegation of 12 French private sector partners specialising in the mining sector.

The objective of the attendance at Mining Indaba is to strengthen France’s mining footprint on the African continent by creating opportunities for collaboration between the local mining industry and France.

Business France South Africa industry head Stéfane Leny says that while 2023 proved challenging for the global mining sector, deteriorating infrastructure continues to impact on the South African mining industry’s ability to operate cost effectively.

Consequently, what has emerged from these challenges is the 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, he stresses.

“This is where Business France can play a crucial role,” says Leny.

“It is a little known fact that France possesses a rich mining heritage, with the extraction of minerals being the predominant industry in certain regions of the country during the twentieth century,” he notes.

Leny adds that several French companies were borne out of the industry and today continue to provide services to the global mining sector.

“We have chosen to take part in the Mining Indaba, an important event with significant reach on the African continent, to promote France’s expertise in the mining sector,” affirms Leny.

“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,” he says.

Sponsors and partners of Business France at the Mining Indaba 2024 will include well-known companies such as energy management and automation company Schneider Electric and financial institutions Mazars, Natixis and Société Générale.

“We do hope that, by increasing our visibility as an organisation, we can, in turn create further opportunities to connect Africa and France,” concludes Leny.