By Goth Mohamed Goth
Somaliland will, for the third time, form part of the African Mining Ministerial Forum at 2020 Investing in African Mining Indaba, which will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
“The indaba provides Somaliland with a platform to present the mining potential of the country and attract potential investors,” Somaliland Energy and Minerals Minister Jama Mahmoud Egal said.
The Minister of Energy and Minerals was accompanied by Mr. Omer Yusuf Omer, the director of the minerals department in the Somaliland Ministry of Energy and Minerals.
Unmatched by any other Mining event in Africa, Mining Indaba hosts the largest number of senior government officials from across Africa and beyond. Ministers come to address the industry and provide updates on new policies and their plans for the future. Last year 38 Ministers and 2 Presidents took the stage.
The Minister met with the President of Sierra Leone H.E Julius Maada Bio and Hon Foday Rado Yokie, the Minister of Mineral Resource whereby they discussed how the experience of the two mining countries should be shared since Sierra Leone is now the start of exploiting mineral resources.
On the other hand, the minister met with the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Mali, Mr. Baba Lelenta Hawa Ba, the two sides discussed ways of utilizing and developing the mineral resources potential in the two countries.
The Minister also met with Mr. Svene Renner, the executive director of the World Bank and Mr. Mark Smith, the UK International Trade of whom they discussed ways to partner in capacity building and knowledge for the Somaliland Ministry of Energy and Minerals staff, and how Somaliland can be a part of ongoing Africa’s mineral development projects.
On the other hand, the minister held a meeting with investors from South African companies, as well as several international stakeholders discussed how these businesses can benefit from investing in the mining sector in Somaliland and the implementation of a comprehensive mineral exploration project in the country.
Finally, the Minister and his delegation flew to the city of Johannesburg after receiving an official invitation from ANC leaders. The delegation was warmly received at Lanseria Airport by Ambassador Ahmed Jama Hassan, Somaliland Charge de Affaires in South Africa.
