Building the Future: Africa’s opportunity in the Critical Minerals Era
Mining has shaped Africa's past in profound and often complex ways. As critical minerals become the defining geopolitical asset of the 21st century, the question is – how Africa can use this moment to drive sustainable development, job creation, and long-term prosperity for the region.
From devices to data centres, cars to cities - mining underpins every aspect of modern life. Yet, the people on whose lands mining occurs often live with 100% of the impact but rarely feel the full impact of its benefits. Changing this equation is key to Africa’s future and requires a uniquely African approach; one that plays to the continent’s strengths while being clear-eyed about its challenges.
During this session, we will hear from Nolitha Fakude, who is a pioneering leader in our industry. She will provide her views on how to turn Africa’s potential into reality, personal reflections on her career in mining, and insights into the opportunities presented through a career in mining.
Speakers
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Rohitesh DhawanPresident and Chief Executive Officer, International Council on Mining and MetalRohitesh Dhawan
President and Chief Executive Officer, International Council on Mining and Metal
Rohitesh “Ro” Dhawan is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), a role he has held since 2021. He leads the Council of 26 CEOs of the world’s largest mining & metals companies in voluntary leadership towards sustainable development through responsible mining.
Under his leadership, ICMM has championed progress on a wide range of topics, including several world-first and world-leading actions on health & safety, decarbonisation, nature, indigenous rights, human rights, community development and circularity. He led ICMM’s instrumental role in the establishment of the Global Tailings Management Institute and the creation of the Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative; two major new institutions to drive responsible mining practices at scale.
Having previously served as Managing Director at Eurasia Group and Global Head of Geopolitics for KPMG, Ro has helped shaped the global agenda on critical minerals, geopolitics and sustainability. This includes serving on the UN Secretary General’s Panel on Critical Minerals, the Advisory Boards of RESOLVE, Columbia Centre for Sustainable Investment and the World Resources Institute’s Polsky Centre for the Energy Transition.
Born and raised in Africa and India and with a passion for development in emerging markets, Ro has been named one of South Africa’s Climate Change Leaders and one of the most influential people in African Mining. He is a Fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative and a Raisina Fellow at the Asian Forum on Global Governance. He also serves as an adviser to one of the world’s largest energy companies located in the Middle East, and as Chair of the BecomingX Foundation which equips and inspires young people in Africa to achieve their full potential.
Ro holds a Master’s in Environmental Change & Management from the University of Oxford in the UK and an undergraduate degree in Economics from Rhodes University in South Africa. -
Nolitha FakudeChair, Anglo American's South African Management BoardNolitha Fakude
Chair, Anglo American's South African Management Board
Nolitha Fakude is Chair of Anglo American’s South African Management Board. She has over 30 years of experience across a diverse range of industry sectors, including oil and gas, petrochemicals, financial services and retail.
Prior to this appointment, she was a non-executive director of the Anglo American plc Board. She also holds the position of a Non-Executive Director of the JSE Limited and serves on the Boards of Discovery Bank Holdings and International Woman’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA). She is a Patron of Guild Cottage home for girls.
Nolitha has held senior management positions in corporate affairs, strategy and human resources in the retail and financial sectors. She has also served on numerous Boards including Sasol, African Oxygen Limited (AFROX), and a Deputy Chair and Lead Independent Director of Datacentrix Holdings Limited and a Non-Executive Director of Harmony Gold and Woolworths Holdings among others. Fakude is a former President of the Black Management Forum (BMF).
Nolitha holds a Bachelor of Arts and an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Fort Hare. She is the author of a book, titled Boardroom Dancing which is a memoir tracking her career journey and role as a corporate activist and inspirational businesswoman with a passion for leadership development especially for women and black people in the workplace.