With Africa fast emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic destinations for mining investment and trade, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission says for Australian mining equipment, technology and services (METS) companies, the trade opportunity is significant.

From the established gold and copper belts of West Africa to the rapidly evolving critical minerals sector in the east, the commission says governments and mine operators across Africa are looking for partners that can deliver greater efficiency, safety, sustainability and operational excellence.

As infrastructure improves, regulatory frameworks mature and major mining projects gather pace, East and West Africa are creating demand for proven expertise and innovative mining solutions, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission adds.

Australian METS providers are well placed to support operations across the mine lifecycle, with capabilities suited to the varying stages of development found across African mining markets, the commission notes.

The strong international participation at the 2025 Africa Down Under Conference reinforced Australia’s reputation as a trusted partner in sustainable mining, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission states.

With Austrade also participating in the 2026 Future Minerals Forum, which was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in early January, and Electra Mining, to be held in September in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission says Australian METS companies are expected to strengthen their presence across Africa and build on growing opportunities in Africa’s mining sector.

Ghana: The Mining Hub of West Africa

West Africa has emerged as one of the most active and resilient mining corridors in Africa, underpinned by a mix of mature gold districts and fast-developing critical minerals opportunities, states the Australian Trade and Investment Commission.

Countries such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso attract significant exploration and development capital. Ghana’s political stability, security and ease of doing business have made it an ideal market for establishing a base from which to service neighbouring countries, the commission adds.

As for commodities, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission says gold remains the dominant export commodity, with Ghana overtaking South Africa in 2019 to become the biggest producer of gold in Africa.

As gold accounts for more than 90% of Ghana’s mineral revenue, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission says Ghana’s government has taken steps to diversify the minerals production base by focusing on bauxite and iron production. The ultimate aim is to build an integrated bauxite-aluminium industry alongside an integrated iron and steel industry.

Ghana is also increasing its focus on manganese ore and other critical mineral deposits, broadening the types of services and technologies in demand.

While most mines in the region are opencut historically, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission says underground mining is becoming increasingly popular.

While surface mine contracts are being given to local operators, many governments, including Ghana, are encouraging all foreign investors and companies to go underground.

There is also an increased emphasis on local content and participation throughout mine lifecycles. For example, the Minerals Commission of Ghana regularly releases local procurement lists which stipulate the level of Ghanaian content required for certain goods and services procured in the country to “[ensure] that mining companies contribute significantly to the socioeconomic development of the country”.

Greenfield investment is an increasing priority for governments in the region, says the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, adding that tangible efforts are being made to capture new opportunities and encourage further development.

In this regard, the commission says the Ghanaian government has vowed to abolish value-added tax on mineral exploration and reconnaissance, removing the 15% tax that Ghana Chamber of Mines president Michael Akafia claimed had negatively affected the competitiveness as a mining jurisdiction and was a clog on the pipeline of projects.

METS Opportunities

Across West Africa, mining companies are under increasing pressure to reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and strengthen safety for both employees and surrounding communities, says the Australian Trade and Investment Commission.

These priorities are creating opportunities for Australian METS companies to deliver solutions across the mining value chain.

Demand is growing for technologies that improve productivity in core mining activities, including drill and blast, grade control, and load-and-haul optimisation. Processing operations also present opportunities for innovations in crushing, milling, water and wastewater treatment, electrowinning and mine rehabilitation.

As mines seek to reduce their environmental footprint and operating costs, energy management solutions that lower electricity consumption and optimise diesel and gas use are becoming increasingly important.

At the same time, specialised technical services – from geotechnical analysis and workforce training to fatigue management, predictive technologies and data analytics – are helping operators improve safety, performance and long-term operational resilience.