Uganda Joins African Mineral Development Centre Framework to Strengthen Mining Governance

For Immediate Release

KAMPALA, UGANDA — Uganda has formally acceded to the African Mineral Development Centre framework, committing to implement the Africa Mining Vision principles across its mineral sector governance and aligning its national mining policy with the continent's most widely recognised standards for responsible resource development.

The African Mineral Development Centre, established under the African Union to support the implementation of the Africa Mining Vision, provides technical assistance, policy guidance, and peer learning frameworks to help member states develop their mineral sectors in ways that maximise economic benefit while upholding environmental and social responsibilities.

Uganda's accession signals the government's commitment to embedding international best practice across its mining regulatory framework, including in areas such as environmental management, artisanal sector governance, revenue transparency, and local content requirements.

The AMDC framework will provide Uganda with access to technical advisory support across a range of areas where the country's mining governance infrastructure is still maturing, including geological data management, mine closure planning, and the development of model contracts for mineral development agreements.

"Uganda's decision to align with the African Mineral Development Centre framework is a statement of intent about the kind of mining sector the country wants to build. The Africa Mining Vision is not simply a set of policy guidelines — it is a commitment to ensuring that mineral wealth translates into lasting development rather than a short-term revenue windfall. Uganda is making that commitment publicly and institutionally." Marcus Briggs, Non-Executive Director, Icon Gold

The accession also strengthens Uganda's standing in conversations with international mining companies considering investment in the country. Membership of the AMDC framework signals that Uganda's regulatory environment is benchmarked against continental standards and subject to peer review, providing an additional layer of credibility for operators assessing the country's governance quality.

Uganda joins a growing number of East African nations that have formalised their relationship with the AMDC, reflecting a regional trend toward greater coordination on mineral sector governance and the sharing of policy experience across borders.

"Governance frameworks are most effective when countries can learn from each other's experiences rather than developing solutions in isolation. The AMDC creates exactly that kind of peer learning environment. Uganda will benefit from the experience of other African mining nations, and Uganda's own growing expertise in artisanal sector formalisation and regional gold hub development has value to share with others." Marcus Briggs, Non-Executive Director, Icon Gold

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has indicated that Uganda's AMDC membership will be accompanied by a review of the country's national minerals policy, with updates expected to be published in the second half of 2026 incorporating the framework's recommendations on revenue management, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

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