Investment conference organiser Resources 4 Africa’s inaugural Cross-Border Mining Services (CBMS) Africa Indaba aims to find solutions to the challenges that the African mining industry faces when procuring and transporting goods and services across the continent.

“This is the only event in South Africa that will focus exclusively on mining procurement, supply chains and logistics on the African continent,” says Resources 4 Africa CEO Paula Munsie.

She notes that the mining services and manufacturing sector in Johannesburg has an expansive opportunity to grow cross-border trade and contribute to the economy. The CBMS Africa Indaba will bring together leading players to share their expertise and cross-border experiences and find ways of improving the process of procurement, supply chain management and logistics to minimise challenges and delays.

The Indaba will run from March 27 to 28 at The Country Club in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, and a one-day pre-event workshop will take place on March 26. Munsie points out that Johannesburg is a go-to centre for the mining procurement, supply chain management and logistics services required by local and international mining companies seeking supplies and services for their operations in South Africa and other African countries.

She comments that Africa has seen enormous growth in mining activity and that this has led to an increasing demand for better infrastructure and improved cross-border business conditions. “Poor – and in some cases nonexistent – infrastructure, as well as complex and opaque business conditions mean the process of procuring and transporting between countries is highly challenging,” says Munsie.

More than 30 speakers and panellists will speak on a variety of topics relating to procurement, supply chain, logistics, transportation, cross-border payments and legal and tax issues.

Other Conferences
Resources 4 Africa will also host the Junior Indaba and the Joburg Indaba; the themes and focuses of these two mining conferences are yet to be announced.

The Junior Indaba will also be held at The Country Club from June 5 to 6. “The conference aims to serve as a platform to highlight all the crucial issues faced by junior mining companies in Africa,” says Munsie. It provides an opportunity for CEOs and project owners to showcase company assets and investors will be able to assess the merits of junior miners’ offerings and explore potential investment opportunities.

The Joburg Indaba will take place from October 3 to 5 at The Inanda Club, also in Johannesburg, and will mark its sixth anniversary. It will enable delegates the chance to network with mining industry heavyweights and this year’s event will host more than 70 speakers.

Munsie highlights that Resources 4 Africa “works in close consultation and partnership with influential figures in the mining industry and the Joburg Indaba will continue to respond to the pressing need to focus on relevant and crucial issues throughout the year”.