With a twenty-five percent increase in participation year on year and more than 600 young professionals projected to attend MI26, the Young Professional Programme is fast becoming the continent’s most influential platform for developing Africa’s next generation of mining leaders.
Mining Indaba is proud to announce its elevated Young Professional Programme for 2026, an evolution of the previously known Young Leaders Programme, designed to accelerate skills development and position young voices at the forefront of Africa’s mining transformation. In a landmark milestone, Wits University joins as the first ever sponsor, signalling a powerful collaboration between academia and industry to strengthen talent pipelines across the continent.
“The Young Professionals Programme is a vital platform for building the next generation of mining leaders through academic excellence, research and practical engagement. By strengthening the link between higher education and industry, Wits University is helping to shape an inclusive and knowledge-driven future for Africa’s mining sector.” Professor Thokozani Majozi, Dean of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand.
“As the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), we are honoured to join the Mining Indaba 2026 Young Professional Programme as a developmental partner. Our mandate is to unlock opportunities for young people, and the YPP provides exactly the kind of platform that enables youth access to markets, economic opportunities, skills, mentorship, and meaningful pathways into one of the continent’s most critical sectors. Mining remains a cornerstone of Africa’s economic future, and it is essential that young professionals are equipped to lead its transformation. Through this partnership, we aim to ensure that young people, regardless of background, are empowered to participate, innovate, and take up their rightful place in shaping the future of mining.” Bonga Makhanya, Deputy Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency.
The refreshed programme sits at the heart of Mining Indabas NextGen value proposition, reinforcing MI26’s commitment to shaping a skilled, future-ready workforce capable of leading Africa’s mining evolution.
Strategic partnership with the Minerals Council South Africa expands programme influence
For the first time, the Minerals Council South Africa joins as a strategic partner, bringing mentorship access, industry expertise and influential professional networks that will deepen the programmes impact.
This partnership directly aligns with the MI26 theme, Stronger Together: Progress Through Partnerships, underscoring collaborative leadership as the foundation for industry transformation.
A future-facing, skills-led programme designed for Africa’s emerging mining talent
Reimagined as a practical, youth driven development platform, the programme meets the needs of early career professionals and final year students navigating the modern mining landscape.
Key programme areas include:
- Career pathways in mining and the just energy transition
- ESG leadership and responsible mining
- Scenario based learning and applied problem solving
- Skills required for Africa’s digitally enabled mining future
The evolution reflects a sector rapidly reshaped by technology, sustainability expectations and new skill requirements.
Laura Nicholson, Product Director for Investing in African Mining Indaba, reinforces this purpose driven vision:
“Youth are not just the future of mining; they are actively shaping it. The programme ensures young professionals have a seat at the table as we take the industry into its next era through technology, new skill sets, sustainability and collaborative innovation. They are an important part of the value chain and a priority voice at Mining Indaba.”
Anchored within Mining Indabas NextGen ecosystem
The Young Professional Programme forms part of Mining Indabas broader NextGen suite which also includes:
- Future Leaders x UCT LEAD Programme
- MI26 Industry Voices Influencer Campaign
Together these initiatives elevate young talent ensuring their insights are embedded into the continent’s most influential mining conversations.
“The LEAD Programme is a strategic development platform for Africa’s next generation of mining leaders. LEAD turns individual aspiration into collective capability that creates enduring value for communities, companies and the planet. Through our partnership with the Young Professionals Programme, we are cultivating purpose driven leaders who embed innovation, inclusion and sustainability into every decision.” Thabani Mlilo, Adjunct Professor, MD UCT Moahi Sustainable Solutions.
Opening doors to mentorship, opportunity and industry access
Programme participants receive full access to MI26 including:
- Direct mentorship from senior leaders
- Exposure to technical, digital and ESG focused innovations
- Participation in the full Mining Indaba programme
- Networking with CEOs, ministers and sector influencers
- Integration into Africa’s most established mining networks
Eligibility includes students, recent graduates and early career professionals under thirty or under five years’ experience across mining, engineering, finance, law, HR, environmental services and related sectors.
At a time when Africa sits at the centre of global energy transition demands, from critical minerals to modernised operations, the need for skilled, agile and forward-thinking talent has never been more urgent. The Young Professional Programme is Mining Indabas investment in the people who will lead that transformation.
