Discussions at the SIMANDOU event in Guinea focused on the country’s efforts to promote local value addition, develop infrastructure and create jobs through its iron ore resources. The engagement also explored how African countries can move beyond exporting critical minerals to manufacturing value-added products and strengthening local industries.

The event featured a fireside chat with Guinea’s Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget, H.E. Mariama Sylla, and was also attended by the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, H.E. Ismaël Nabe. The speaker commended Johanna Leblanc and Aisha Biro Diallo for their persistence in ensuring participation in the event, which examined opportunities for Africa to maximise the economic benefits of its critical mineral resources.