The 19th edition of the West African Mining & Power Expo (WAMPEX) is expected to convene more than 6,000 industry professionals when it opens on June 3, 2026, in Accra, marking a significant expansion of one of the region’s leading mining industry gatherings.
Endorsed by Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and organised by dmg events in partnership with the Ghana Chamber of Mines and Events & Projects International Ltd (EPI), the three-day exhibition and conference reflects the continued growth of West Africa’s mining sector and WAMPEX’s role within it.
The organisers say the 2026 edition will be the largest yet, bringing together over 250 exhibitors from 20 countries alongside procurement professionals, engineers, operations managers, and senior executives from across the mining value chain.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Ken Ashigbey, described the event as a critical platform for strengthening local participation in the sector.
“WAMPEX represents a critical platform for advancing local content development in West Africa’s mining sector. As the industry grows, it is essential that West African businesses are well positioned to capture a greater share of the value being created,” he said.
He added that empowering regional suppliers, contractors, and service providers will be central to the industry’s sustainability, noting that the event fosters the partnerships needed to unlock the sector’s full potential.
The expo comes at a time when West Africa’s mining industry is experiencing rapid growth. The sector, currently valued at approximately $52.3 billion is projected to reach $89.1 billion
by 2033, driven by strong demand for gold, bauxite, iron ore and critical minerals.
Key markets such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria are expected to remain at the forefront of this expansion, creating increasing opportunities for suppliers, investors and technology providers.
For participating companies, WAMPEX provides a condensed platform for business development, enabling months of supplier discovery and evaluation to take place within three days.
The exhibition will cover 10 core product segments, including exploration, mining equipment, mineral processing, energy supply, digital mining technologies, and environmental and safety solutions.
This year’s edition reflects increasing global interest in West Africa’s mining potential. Exhibitors will represent countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas, including first-time participants from Mongolia, France, South Korea, Belgium, Italy, Slovakia and the United Arab Emirates.
International firms such as FLSmidth, Gekko Systems and GK Europe will feature alongside Ghanaian companies including Jodi Construction, PL International, Rema Tip Top and PowerX Equipment, highlighting a blend of global expertise and local capacity.
Adele Tolken, Events Director at dmg events, said the exhibition has consistently evolved to meet the needs of the industry.
“WAMPEX has, for over three decades, connected mining professionals with the solutions, knowledge and partnerships that make a real difference to how they operate. The move to La Palm is a reflection of how much this event, and this industry, has grown,” she said.
She added that the 2026 edition aims to ensure participants leave with practical insights and valuable business connections.
Beyond the exhibition floor, the WAMPEX Conference will bring together more than 350 senior delegates and over 100 speakers for over 15 sessions.
Discussions will focus on key issues including sustainability, investment flows, technological innovation, and operational efficiency.
The programme is expected to facilitate dialogue between policymakers, industry leaders and investors on how to navigate both opportunities and challenges within the sector.
As West Africa’s mining sector continues its upward trajectory, WAMPEX 2026 is expected to serve as a key meeting point for stakeholders seeking to tap into emerging opportunities and strengthen regional and international partnerships.
Source: businesspostonline
