Angola to Showcase Critical Minerals Investment Opportunities at Africa Down Under 2026 in Australia
Angola is set to take centre stage at the 24th Africa Down Under Mining Sector Conference in Perth, Western Australia, with the country hosting a high-level panel focused on investment and development opportunities in the critical minerals sector.
The panel will form part of the inaugural Australia-Angola Business Forum, scheduled for September 3 during “Angola Day” at Africa Down Under.
The forum will focus on strengthening business and investment ties between Australia and Angola, with particular attention to the development of Angola’s critical minerals industry.
Angola’s Ambassador to Australia, António Luvualu de Carvalho, will participate in the high-level panel alongside Australian and Angolan mining industry experts.
Other panellists include Bill Johnston, former Minister for Mines, Petroleum, Energy and Industry of Western Australia; Stephen Lee Wetherall, CEO of Australian-listed Connected Minerals Ltd, which has investments in Angola’s mining sector, particularly strategic minerals and rare earths; and João Manuel da Costa Canoquena, Ph.D., an Angolan academic based in Australia whose work includes research and publications on Angola’s mining industry.
The discussion will be moderated by Brendan Augustin, President of the Australian Institute of International Affairs Western Australia.
The forum is expected to provide a platform for discussions around Angola’s mineral potential, investment opportunities and the development of strategic mineral projects, while also strengthening commercial links between companies and investors in the two countries.
Several Australian companies have already confirmed their participation in the Australia-Angola Business Forum.
Angolan entrepreneurs, mining project promoters and Angolans based in Australia are also expected to attend.
The 24th Africa Down Under Mining Sector Conference will run from September 2 to 4 in Perth, bringing together governments, mining companies, investors and other stakeholders from across Africa and Australia.
The event is regarded as the largest mining conference focused on Africa held outside the continent.
The Australian Government will also be represented at the conference, with Anne Aly, Minister for International Development, and Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, among the announced speakers.
Angola’s participation comes as the country seeks to attract greater investment into its mining industry and position its critical mineral resources as part of the global energy transition.
The Australia-Angola Business Forum is expected to provide an important opportunity to connect Angolan projects with Australian expertise, capital and technology.
