Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, launched the African Minerals Regulatory Authorities Forum (AFMRA) in Cairo to strengthen cooperation among mining regulators and improve the continent’s regulatory frameworks.

The forum was launched on the sidelines of Egypt Mining Forum 2026, held September 28-29, in the presence of Moses Michael Engadu, Secretary-General of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), Yasser Ramadan, Chairman of the Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority (MRMIA), and mining officials from several African countries.

Badawi said AFMRA would provide a lasting platform for regulators to exchange expertise and best practices, discuss mining legislation and policies, and gradually improve alignment between national regulatory systems while respecting each country’s sovereignty.

He added that stronger regulatory institutions are needed to improve geological data management, mining records, licensing systems, transparency and governance, helping African countries move from exporting raw minerals toward processing and manufacturing within the continent.

Ramadan said the forum reflects growing recognition that Africa’s geological potential requires strong regulatory institutions and stable investment conditions. He added that AFMRA would support the exchange of field experience and technical capabilities while promoting greater coordination among national mining regulations.

Participants also discussed creating a permanent technical mechanism under AFMRA to maintain coordination and developing systems to track mineral sources, movements and supply chains.

The forum follows Egypt’s efforts to attract international mining investment. In early September, organizers said Egypt Mining Forum 2026 was expected to draw more than 6,000 participants from over 50 countries, with licensing, project financing, mineral processing and investment among its key topics.