Giga Africa 2026

29th - 30th September, 2026

Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

1 Boulevard de la Menara

Marrakech, Morocco

Giga Africa 2026

Time and Location

29th - 30th September, 2026

Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

1 Boulevard de la Menara

Marrakech, Morocco

In Person Event

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Our growing agenda features in-depth analysis of Africa's rapid expansion in critical mineral markets and its key role in meeting downstream demand from EV, ESS and other drivers.

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Tuesday 29th September, 2026

08:00 - 09:00

Check In and Networking

Collect your badge and join us for morning networking

09:00 - 09:20

Words of Welcome

Benchmark’s opening remarks, setting the scene for Africa’s role in the global battery supply chain and the energy transition.

09:20 - 09:40

Keynote Presentation: Battery Materials & Projects in Africa

- Khalid Hammouch, SVP Business Development, Managem

09:40 - 10:10

Opening Keynotes: Why Africa? Understanding Government Support & Incentives

African government leadership and prominent industry voices about tax benefits, free trade zones, workforce development programs, and infrastructure support.

10:10 - 11:00

Panel Discussion: OEM & EV Market Perspectives

Opportunities for OEMs, EV market growth, and adoption trends across Africa

11:00 - 11:20

Networking Break

11:20 - 12:00

Panel Discussion: Africa’s Critical Mineral Production: Poised for Rapid Growth

Africa’s rapidly expanding critical mineral production, the opportunities for investment and value-chain development, and its growing role in the global supply of essential materials for the energy transition.

- Leon Godza, Chief Director, Ministry of Mines of Zimbabwe

12:00 - 12:40

Panel Discussion: Visualising Africa’s Battery Storage Pipeline

Mapping Africa’s energy storage potential and future demand.

- Ahmed Elbaz, BESS Expert & Board Advisory, Algihaz Holdings
- Deshan Naidoo, Founder and MD, Afrivolt

12:40 - 13:40

Networking Lunch

13:40 - 14:30

Panel Discussion: Africa’s Growing Role in Global Lithium Supply Chains

Exploring Africa’s growing lithium resources, project pipeline, and its increasing role in global battery supply chains, including key opportunities for investment and development across the value chain.

- David Dickson, CEO, Lake Resources

14:30 - 15:20

Panel Discussion: Graphite in the Global Anode Supply Chain

A look at Africa’s graphite projects, from development through to their role in the global anode supply chain and battery demand.

- Matthieu Bos, President & CEO, Falcon Energy Materials
- Mike Ralston, CEO, Blencowe Resources

15:20 - 15:40

Networking Break

15:30 - 16:10

Keynote Presentation: African Projects Showcase

Presentations from representatives of African nations, highlighting key mining and materials projects across Africa and exploring investment and growth opportunities in critical minerals.

16:10 - 16:45

Panel Discussion: Innovation & Technology Spotlights

Exploring emerging technologies, advanced materials R&D, and innovations in cell design.

- Intissar Benzakour, Scientific Director, Managem

16:45 - 16:45

Networking Reception

Wednesday 30th September, 2026

08:30 - 09:30

Check In and Networking

Collect your badge and join us for morning networking

09:30 - 09:45

Benchmark Opening Keynote

09:45 - 10:25

Panel Discussion: Building Midstream Capacity: Processing & Refining in Africa

Exploring the development of refining and chemical processing capacity to support downstream battery and EV supply chains in Africa.

10:25 - 11:00

Benchmark’s Commodity Updates: Cobalt and Phosphate

Benchmark-led presentations providing the latest market updates and insights on key battery raw materials, including Cobalt and Phosphate.

11:00 - 11:30

Networking Break

11:30 - 12:10

Panel Discussion: Investment Landscape and Financing Opportunities

Exploring funding, investment trends, and financing solutions to support battery, EV, and critical minerals projects across Africa.

- Franklin Edochie, Deputy Director & Head, Metals & Mining, Africa Finance Corporation
- Anass Joundy, Associate Director, EBRD

12:10 - 12:40

Fireside Chat: Recycling Solutions for a Circular Future

Highlighting circular strategies and innovative recycling approaches

12:40 - 13:30

Networking Lunch

13:30 - 14:10

Panel Discussion: Understanding the New Landscape for Energy Transition Geopolitics

Exploring EMEA and the Americas’ role in the global energy transition, the impact of geopolitical risks, and how international partnerships and trade policies are shaping battery and EV supply chains.

14:10 - 14:45