Research – PanAfGeo

PanAfGeo+ Workshop Advances Dialogue on Harmonised Mineral Resource Governance in South Africa

Posted on May 13, 2026May 27, 2026 by krishnan

The PanAfGeo+ National AMREC/PARC – UNFC Workshop successfully concluded in Pretoria, South Africa, bringing together representatives from government institutions, geological surveys, academia, industry, and international organisations from across Africa and Europe.

Held under the PanAfGeo+ African Expert Networks (SO1) activities, the two-day workshop focused on advancing dialogue and practical understanding of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC), the Africa Mining Resource Classification System (AMREC), and the Pan-African Resource Classification (PARC).

Participants engaged in policy discussions, technical sessions, case studies, and practical exercises exploring harmonised mineral resource reporting, governance approaches, and implementation pathways aligned with the Africa Mining Vision and Agenda 2063.

The workshop highlighted the importance of expert networks, multistakeholder collaboration, and Africa–Europe partnerships in strengthening sustainable and transparent mineral resource management across the continent. The event was organised in cooperation with the International Center of Excellence on Sustainable Resource Management Europe (ICE SRM EU). Experts from African and European institutions shared experiences related to reporting systems, governance frameworks, inventories, and capacity-building approaches, fostering dialogue and exchange between participants from different sectors.

Slavko Šolar, Geological Survey of Slovenia, noted that: “The level of engagement and exchange throughout the workshop has been very encouraging. It reflects a strong commitment across Africa and Europe to strengthening harmonised approaches to mineral resource governance and cooperation.”

Tunde Muritala Arisekola, African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), added: “Workshops like this are essential for building long-term capacity and strengthening collaboration between institutions. Through knowledge sharing and practical dialogue, we support countries in advancing more sustainable and informed approaches to resource management.”

The PanAfGeo+ programme, funded by the European Commission, continues to foster collaboration between African and European Geological Surveys, supporting technical development, expert networks, and knowledge exchange across the geoscience community.

The presentation materials shared during the PanAfGeo+ National AMREC/PARC – UNFC Workshop are now available for download. Download the Workshop Presentations (ZIP, 23 MB)

PanAfGeo+ INVEST Officially Launched in Kinshasa to Strengthen Africa-Europe Cooperation on Critical Raw Materials

Posted on May 13, 2026May 13, 2026 by krishnan

17-18 March 2026 | Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The PanAfGeo+ INVEST Kick-off Meeting officially took place on 17-18 March 2026 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, bringing together partners and stakeholders from across Africa and Europe to launch a new phase of collaboration on critical raw materials, geological knowledge, and sustainable investment. The meeting marked the official start of the PanAfGeo+ INVEST component and provided an opportunity to present the programme’s objectives, governance structure, work packages, and Country Window activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, and South Africa.

The opening session highlighted the strong commitment of the European Union Delegation in the DRC, the Ministry of Mines of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and institutional partners to strengthening Africa–Europe cooperation in geosciences and responsible mineral resource development.

PanAfGeo+ builds on the achievements of previous phases of the programme (2016–2024), which engaged 22 African countries and trained more than 1,700 geoscience professionals across the continent. The initiative also extends the AfricaMaVal programme, which identified around 100 investment opportunities through collaboration between African and European partners.

With a planned budget of approximately €51 million between 2025 and 2029, PanAfGeo+ aims to support sustainable management of geological resources, strengthen geoscientific capacity, and improve the enabling environment for investment linked to critical raw materials.

Throughout the two-day meeting, participants discussed:

EU mining investment facilitation
Strategic intelligence and analytical services
CRM project pipeline development
Communication and dialogue in geoscience
Country Window activities in the DRC, Namibia, and South Africa

The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between African institutions, European Geological Surveys, development partners, and technical experts in strengthening geological knowledge and supporting sustainable mineral development.

A dedicated session on communication and dialogue in geoscience, coordinated by EuroGeoSurveys (EGS), emphasised the importance of visibility, coordinated communication, and promoting dialogue between African and European partners under a unified PanAfGeo+ identity.

The second day focused on implementation and coordination, including governance structures, financial procedures, stakeholder engagement, and recommendations from the Advisory Board. Participants also explored the future PanAfGeo+ INVEST Forum, designed to support knowledge sharing, matchmaking, dissemination of project results, and investment dialogue across the critical raw materials value chain.

Participants further underlined the importance of improving geological data accessibility, reinforcing African institutional ownership, and strengthening long-term Africa–Europe cooperation in support of sustainable development and responsible resource governance.

The momentum of the initiative continues with the launch of the PanAfGeo+ Country Window DRC activities immediately following the kick-off meeting.

The PanAfGeo+ programme is funded by the European Union under the Global Gateway strategy and implemented through partnerships between African and European geological surveys and institutions.

PanAfGeo+ at Mining Indaba 2026: Strengthening Africa–Europe Cooperation in Geosciences

Posted on May 13, 2026May 13, 2026 by krishnan

Cape Town, South Africa | Mining Indaba 2026

PanAfGeo+ participated in Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town, engaging with stakeholders from across Africa and Europe to highlight the role of geoscience in supporting sustainable investment, resource governance, and long-term development.

Throughout the event, PanAfGeo+ was present at the European Commission – Team Europe Booth (T152), where discussions focused on current and future activities under the PanAfGeo+ programme, including the Invest Component and Country Windows in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia, and South Africa.

A key highlight of the week was the celebration marking the launch of the new phase of PanAfGeo+, which brought together around 100 participants from geological surveys, European and African institutions, development partners, and the wider geoscience community.

The event highlighted the growing importance of geosciences in Africa’s development agenda and provided a platform for dialogue on sustainable resource management, investment, resilience, and regional cooperation.

Participants were honoured to welcome:

Myriam Ferran, Deputy Director-General, DG INTPA, European Commission
Tirza van Daalen, President of EuroGeoSurveys (EGS)
Gabriel Data, President of the Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS)

The panel discussions and exchanges throughout the event reinforced the importance of strong Africa–Europe partnerships and collaborative expert networks in advancing sustainable and responsible development of mineral resources.

With €21 million committed to the Invest Component and Country Windows, the new phase of PanAfGeo+ marks an important step forward in strengthening geoscientific capacity, partnerships, and investment support across Africa.

Pictures from the PanAfGeo+ launch celebration at Mining Indaba 2026 are available here.

PanAfGeo+ Partnerships and Capacity Building Kick-Off Meeting

Posted on April 29, 2026May 5, 2026 by whiterabbit

The PanAfGeo+ Partnerships and Capacity Building Kick-Off meeting concluded today in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, marking the successful launch of the 2025–2029 phase of the European Union (EU) funded PanAfGeo+ Programme. The event also marked the official rollout of support under the programme’s four Country Windows – Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia – along with preparatory engagement for three additional Country Windows (Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa and Namibia). Over two days, more than 80 representatives from African and European geological surveys, governments, international institutions, and civil society gathered to chart a path forward for collaborative geoscientific development.

Hosted by the Geological Survey of Tanzania and co-organised by the Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS), EuroGeoSurveys (EGS), and coordinated by the French Geological Survey (BRGM), the event featured dynamic dialogue, strategic presentations, and new initiatives to enhance Africa’s capacity in geoscience and sustainable resource management.

“PanAfGeo+ brings the power of partnerships into focus. The groundwork laid here in Dar es Salaam sets the stage for a more resilient, data-driven, and investment-ready Africa,” said Jean-Claude Guillaneau, PanAfGeo+ Coordinator.

“PanAfGeo+ programme is a remarkable initiative at the forefront of Africa’s geoscientific development. By investing in geological knowledge and capacity, the EU is investing in economic empowerment, environmental stewardship, and regional prosperity,” said, Christine Grau, Ambassador of the European Union to Tanzania.

Representing the Minister of Minerals, Hon. Anthony P. Mavunde, Deputy Permanent Secretary Msafiri L. Mbibo highlighted that the event marked a clear step toward a stronger partnership with the EU in developing Tanzania’s critical minerals, a sector he described as central to the country’s sustainable economic future.

Key Outcomes:

High-Level Endorsement: Senior officials, including representatives from the EU Delegation, African Union Commission, and the Tanzanian Ministry of Minerals, affirmed strong institutional support for PanAfGeo+.
General Assembly Milestones: Presentations from the eight Work Packages outlined training and cooperation strategies, while “Country Windows” for Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia were officially introduced.
Strategic Discussions: Panels addressed the critical role of geoscience in Africa’s green and digital transitions, with emphasis on critical raw materials (CRMs), artisanal mining, and geoheritage.
Management Committee Recommendations: The Advisory Board presented a series of recommendations to guide the programme’s implementation, governance, and future investment pipeline.

With an enhanced focus on institutional partnerships and investment readiness, PanAfGeo+ will also launch its new PanAfGeo+ Invest component later this year to catalyse public-private partnerships for CRM projects across Africa.

“Our unity and commitment are stronger than ever. This phase will empower African Surveys with tools to deliver both knowledge and impact,” said Rokhaya Samba Diene, President of OAGS.

“This is the spirit of PanAfGeo+: collaboration, vision, and action,” added Tirza van Daalen, President of EGS.

As global demand for sustainably sourced raw materials grows, PanAfGeo+ stands as a timely and transformative platform that links geoscience with sustainable development, economic resilience, and intercontinental cooperation.

PanAfGeo+ Advances Geoscience Collaboration at the 30th Colloquium of African Geology

Posted on September 21, 2025May 4, 2026 by whiterabbit

21 septembre 2025 | Nairobi, Kenya

PanAfGeo+ contributed to the 30th Colloquium of African Geology through the organisation of a dedicated workshop titled “Building a Geoscience Africa Expert Network.”

The workshop brought together geoscience experts from across Africa and Europe, creating a platform for open dialogue and meaningful exchange. Moving beyond traditional presentations, the session encouraged interactive discussions and collaboration among participants.

Discussions focused on the role of geoscience in addressing key societal challenges, including:

mineral resources and infrastructure
environmental management
geotourism
food security

Participants also explored stakeholder needs, identified research gaps, and highlighted opportunities to strengthen collaboration, inclusion, and engagement across institutions.

The workshop resulted in a shared vision for the development of a collaborative Geoscience Africa Expert Network, contributing to stronger Africa–Europe partnerships under the PanAfGeo+ framework.

As part of the communication outputs, visual materials and a video highlight were produced and disseminated through PanAfGeo+ channels, further extending the reach and impact of the initiative.

PanAfGeo: Advancing Africa’s Geoscience Future with PanAfGeo+

Posted on March 12, 2025May 13, 2026 by whiterabbit

PanAfGeo-2 seized the spotlight at Mining Indaba 2025 this week, making a strong impact at the European Commission/Team Europe pod.

Throughout the event, PanAfGeo-2 maintained a strong presence at the EU Pavilion, engaging in discussions with key institutions such as the Council for Geoscience, the Geological Survey of Senegal, the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, Cameroon, and the Geological Survey of Namibia.

Strengthening EU-Africa Geoscience Collaboration

On 5th February, two key meetings took place.

In the morning, the Presidents of EuroGeoSurveys (EGS) and the Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) held a high-level introductory meeting, supported by their respective teams. Rokhaya Samba Diene, President of OAGS, warmly welcomed Tirza Van Daalen, the newly appointed President of EGS. Discussions centred on strengthening EU-Africa geoscience collaboration and reinforcing the commitment to working together through the PanAfGeo-2 programme.

PanAfGeo Achievements and the Introduction of PanAfGeo+

In the afternoon, a high-level meeting was convened to reflect on the achievements of PanAfGeo-2 as it concludes and to introduce PanAfGeo+, an ambitious new phase set to run from 2025 to 2029. This next chapter will further enhance EU-Africa partnerships, strengthen geological survey capacities across Africa, and foster economic cooperation in critical raw materials.

The event brought together key geoscience experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, including Rokhaya Samba Diene, President of the OAGS; Tirza Van Daalen, President of EGS; Cécile Tassin-Pelzer, Adviser at the Africa Directorate of the European Commission (DG INTPA); as well as high-level representatives from African and European geological institutions.

Speaking at the event, Rokhaya Samba Diene reaffirmed the strong collaboration between OAGS and EGS, highlighting how PanAfGeo has reinforced ties between African and European geological institutions, fostering a shared vision for sustainable geoscience development across the continent.
Tirza Van Daalen echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation and stating that the PanAfGeo programme has laid the foundation for a long-term EU-Africa partnership in geosciences. She emphasised that with PanAfGeo+, these collaborations will be further strengthened, ensuring that Africa’s geological potential plays a key role in global sustainability.

During the meeting, Jean-Claude Guillaneau and Nicolas Charles, Coordinators of the PanAfGeo Project (BRGM), presented key findings from Phases 1 and 2, demonstrating the initiative’s impact on advancing geological knowledge, building technical capacity, and fostering EU-Africa cooperation. Since its inception in 2016, PanAfGeo has trained nearly 1,750 geoscientists coming from all African countries, significantly contributing to the development of Africa’s geoscience sector. The coordinators also introduced PanAfGeo+, outlining its objectives to further develop African geological surveys and strengthen cooperation in the exploration of critical raw materials.

A high-profile panel discussion followed, focusing on the future of mineral exploration, environmental protection, and sustainable resource management. Moderated by Willem Meintjes, Executive Manager at the Council for Geoscience, South Africa, and Julie Hollis, Secretary General of EGS, the panel featured Jean-Claude Guillaneau, Coordinator of PanAfGeo (BRGM); Claudio Bacigalupi, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Zambia; and Raoul Wazenga, Director General of the National Geological Survey of Congo (DRC). The discussion provided key insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Africa’s geoscience sector and the role PanAfGeo+ will play in addressing them.

The meeting served as a platform for engaging discussions, expert insights, and networking opportunities, reinforcing the importance of sustained collaboration in shaping the future of Africa’s geoscience sector. The launch of PanAfGeo+ marks a significant milestone, ensuring continued support for geological advancements, capacity building, and sustainable resource management across the continent.