Dr. Martin Lokanc

Senior Mining Specialist The World Bank

Dr. Martin Lokanc is a Senior Mining Specialist in the World Bank’s Energy and Extractives Global Practice. He currently supports and leads mining sector development activities across Africa, in addition to managing a number of research and global knowledge projects. Working across multiple disciplines with the World Bank and with partners, he co-leading World Bank efforts to support countries across Eastern and Southern Africa to responsibly develop their mineral resources and catalyse investments for value addition.

Trained as a mining engineer and economist, Dr Lokanc has global experience in mineral sector development, strategy, mineral and energy economics, corporate finance, government relations and economic development, gained over more than 20 years working in the private sector and with the World Bank.

Dr. Lokanc holds a BSc in mining engineering from the University of Alberta, Canada; an MSc in mining engineering, specializing in mineral economics, from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa; and a PhD in mineral and energy economics from the Colorado School of Mines in the United States.

2024 Agenda Sessions

World Bank

The demand for energy transition minerals (ETM) needed for the global energy transition is expected to increase significantly in the future. This presents Africa with a unique opportunity to promote economic development, diversify industries, and reduce carbon emissions. To support Africa in meeting the growing demand for ETM, a coordinated approach involving the World Bank, international and regional partners, and authorities is necessary.

This event will focus on the unique opportunity for Africa to leverage the mining sector for domestic revenue mobilization and broader structural development. It will emphasize the need for mining countries to benefit beyond mining and highlight the importance of value chain development in Africa to generate development opportunities.

The event will discuss approaches for increasing supply response capabilities, regional development opportunities, renewable energy investments, value addition, human capital formation, and governance. It will emphasize the potential benefits and opportunities for the African mining industry in the context of the global energy transition and decarbonization efforts. Additionally, it will explore how the World Bank can play a role in supporting African countries in maximizing the benefits of the mining sector through dialogue, investment derisking, and assistance in creating enabling environments for responsible mineral investments.

During the panel discussion, government representatives and industry leaders will come together to delve deeper into the demand for energy transition minerals (ETM) and its potential impact on Africa's economic development and carbon emissions reduction. The discussion will focus on exploring strategies and opportunities for Africa to leverage its mineral resources in a sustainable and beneficial manner.

By bringing together key stakeholders, this event aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing to ensure that Africa can harness its mineral resources to drive sustainable development and contribute to the global energy transition.

Monday 05 February 14:00 - 15:00 Insiders Stage

Industry Intel

Add to calendar 02/05/2024 14:00 02/05/2024 15:00 World Bank The demand for energy transition minerals (ETM) needed for the global energy transition is expected to increase significantly in the future. This presents Africa with a unique opportunity to promote economic development, diversify industries, and reduce carbon emissions. To support Africa in meeting the growing demand for ETM, a coordinated approach involving the World Bank, international and regional partners, and authorities is necessary.

This event will focus on the unique opportunity for Africa to leverage the mining sector for domestic revenue mobilization and broader structural development. It will emphasize the need for mining countries to benefit beyond mining and highlight the importance of value chain development in Africa to generate development opportunities.

The event will discuss approaches for increasing supply response capabilities, regional development opportunities, renewable energy investments, value addition, human capital formation, and governance. It will emphasize the potential benefits and opportunities for the African mining industry in the context of the global energy transition and decarbonization efforts. Additionally, it will explore how the World Bank can play a role in supporting African countries in maximizing the benefits of the mining sector through dialogue, investment derisking, and assistance in creating enabling environments for responsible mineral investments.

During the panel discussion, government representatives and industry leaders will come together to delve deeper into the demand for energy transition minerals (ETM) and its potential impact on Africa's economic development and carbon emissions reduction. The discussion will focus on exploring strategies and opportunities for Africa to leverage its mineral resources in a sustainable and beneficial manner.

By bringing together key stakeholders, this event aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing to ensure that Africa can harness its mineral resources to drive sustainable development and contribute to the global energy transition. Insiders Stage Africa/Johannesburg

Not Letting a Crisis go to WasteNot letting a crisis go to waste – How the renewed geopolitics of mi

How has international perception & access to Africa changed in light of mineral access and supply concerns?
What strategic policy initiatives can producers implement to get ahead of the mining paradigm shift in Africa?
Increased transparency unlocks African investment and increases the stability and security of all-important social licences
How can multi-lateral partnerships be developed and underpin sustainable value for responsible mining companies?

Wednesday 07 February 10:45 - 11:30 Governments Stage

Intergovernmental Summit

Add to calendar 02/07/2024 10:45 02/07/2024 11:30 Not Letting a Crisis go to WasteNot letting a crisis go to waste – How the renewed geopolitics of mi

How has international perception & access to Africa changed in light of mineral access and supply concerns?
What strategic policy initiatives can producers implement to get ahead of the mining paradigm shift in Africa?
Increased transparency unlocks African investment and increases the stability and security of all-important social licences
How can multi-lateral partnerships be developed and underpin sustainable value for responsible mining companies?

Governments Stage Africa/Johannesburg

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