- ZAMI 2026 will run from Sept. 14-18 in Bulawayo.
- Discussions will cover mining, energy, agriculture and communities.
- Organisers will focus on critical minerals, value addition and inclusive development.
ZIMBABWE’S mining sector will come under scrutiny in Bulawayo next month as communities, government, industry, faith groups and civil society meet for the 15th Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba.
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches, which convenes the event with the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Organisation and the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development, said ZAMI 2026 will run from Sept. 14-18 at the Holiday Inn in Bulawayo.
The event is being held under the theme, “Powering Tomorrow: Reimagining Mining, Energy, Agriculture and Community Development in Zimbabwe.” Organisers are placing particular focus on critical minerals, value addition and inclusive development.
Organisers say the meeting will examine how mineral wealth can support wider economic development while responding to changes in global energy markets.
Mining-affected communities, women, young people, artisanal and small-scale miners, traditional leaders, government, Parliament, mining companies, investors, researchers and civil society groups are expected to attend.
The organisers have identified several themes for discussion, including energy and mining, value addition, mining and agriculture, fiscal justice, community voices and gender equity, climate and just energy transition, ESG and responsible sourcing, and access to remedy for mining communities.
The focus reflects a wider debate over how Zimbabwe can turn its mineral wealth into greater economic and social benefits.
The 2025 ZAMI declaration saw more than 300 delegates from government, mining companies, communities, civil society, traditional leadership, academia and other groups attending. It called for mining to contribute to inclusive development and national transformation.
ZAMI has also provided a platform for communities to raise concerns directly with government and mining companies. At the 2024 meeting, community representatives raised issues including land rights, consultation and the effects of mining on local communities.
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches says its work on mining also includes community monitoring. Its 2024 annual report said trained community monitors in areas including Mutoko and Penhalonga had reported environmental and safety concerns to authorities.
The 2026 meeting comes as Zimbabwe seeks to expand mineral processing and capture more value from critical minerals used in the global energy transition.
