JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is to present a keynote address at the 2015 Mining Indaba, the world’s largest mining investment event, which is scheduled to take place in Cape Town from February 9 to 12.

The organisers of the yearly Investing in African Mining Indaba announced on Thursday that Euromoney Institutional Investor MD Christopher Fordham would host an interview with Blair, who was premier from 1997 to 2007.

The 2015 Mining Indaba is expected to draw more than 7 000 investors, mining corporates, government leaders, global press and other industry stakeholders from 110 countries.

Having worked with African governments to improve regulation and investment oversight through the Africa Governance Initiative since 2008, Blair is expected to provide charismatic insights, said Mining Indaba MD Jonathan Moore.

As Labour leader, Blair led public service reform, introduced a national minimum wage, oversaw constitutional reform, led London’s 2012 Olympic bid and was instrumental in the Northern Ireland peace process. He also oversaw devolution in Scotland and Wales.

Currently working to secure peace and prosperity in the Middle East, improve governance in Africa, encourage understanding of world faiths and boost access to sport for children in the North East of England, he also remains committed to finding solutions to climate change.

Other speakers in next year’s Mining Indaba line-up include Ivanhoe executive chairperson Robert Friedland, global economist Dr Dambisa Moyo, Bric acronym creator Jim O’Neill, World Bank emerging regions specialist Anita Marangoly George, government leaders, mining company CEOs and international commodities analysts.

Mining Indaba also takes in the February 8 to 9 Investment Discovery Forum, which allows accredited investors and mining corporates to engage in deal discussions.