A Guinean government delegation, led by Djiba Diakité, Chief of Staff at the Presidency, participated in Mining Indaba 2024, the world's largest mining investment event. During this international meeting held in South Africa, Guinea presented its ambitious Simandou 2040 development program, a vision championed by President Mamadi Doumbouya.
At the heart of the discussions, the Simandou project is more than just a mining venture. Djiba Diakité clearly stated that it is a true catalyst for structurally transforming the Guinean economy. The project includes the construction of a railway infrastructure that will serve as a "logistics hub" to stimulate national economic growth and promote sub-regional and continental integration.
The five pillars of Simandou 2040 are based on pragmatic choices aligned with the country's realities. The minister detailed a holistic approach centered on human development: "Our first objective is to take care of people's stomachs with agriculture, food industry, and trade. Then, we will take care of their heads with education and culture."
The ambition does not stop there. Djiba Diakité emphasized the desire to transform Guineans' way of life through infrastructure, transportation, and technology development. "We will also take care of their pockets with economy, finance, and insurance, all for the well-being and health of our population," he declared.
During the event, the Guinean delegation multiplied strategic meetings. Discussions were held with OECD representatives, who expressed interest in expanding cooperation, particularly in agricultural and educational domains. Exchanges were also conducted with Standard Chartered Bank, Rio Tinto's financial advisor for the Simandou project, and industrial partners like Wining Consortium Simandou (WCS), Baowu, and SMB.
Sustainability was at the core of Guinea's presentations. The minister highlighted that Simandou 2040 aligns with the continental vision defined by Agenda 2063, which aims to structurally transform African economies.
Participation in Mining Indaba marks a diplomatic and economic turning point for Guinea. By presenting a clear and ambitious vision, the Guinean government demonstrates its determination to make Simandou a transformative project, going beyond mere mining exploitation to become a true lever of national development.
The coming months will be crucial for the realization of this strategic vision that could redefine Guinea's economic potential.
It is worth noting that Guinea was represented by a high-level ministerial delegation comprising four key ministers: Mourana Soumah (Economy and Finance), Djami Diallo (Environment), Djiba Diakité (Chief of Staff), and Bouna Sylla (Mines and Geology). This inter-ministerial representation underscores the strategic importance of the event for the country and its willingness to promote the Simandou 2040 project to international mining investors and partners.
