Stakeholders Seek More Investment, Women’s Inclusion in Africa’s Gold, Gemstone Industry

Stakeholders in Africa’s gold and gemstone industry have called for stronger platforms to promote investment, skills development, women’s participation, innovation and international collaboration in the sector.

The call was contained in a statement by organisers of the Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition (GGCE), ahead of its 2026 edition in Lagos. The event is themed, “African Women Driving Africa’s Gold and Gemstone Economy: Catalysing Investment, Innovation and Global Competitiveness.”

According to the organisers, the fifth edition will focus on moving beyond the celebration of Africa’s mineral wealth to promoting greater value addition within the continent by connecting investors, entrepreneurs and other players across the mining, processing, jewellery, trading and related value chains.

The organisers said the conference would also highlight the contributions of African women across the sector and create opportunities for investment, skills development, innovation and stronger industry partnerships.

The GGCE is organised by Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMIN), which says the platform is aimed at expanding economic opportunities in Africa’s gold, gemstone and jewellery industries.

The event is scheduled for November 2026 in Lagos, although official event pages currently contain differing information on the precise programme dates.