In a strategic move to reshape Africa’s mining landscape, Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) announced on Tuesday that the organisation plans to expand its presence across the continent by establishing national and community-based chapters.

It stated that these grassroots structures serve as local platforms to foster inclusive participation, especially among women, youth, and artisanal mining communities.

Speaking about the expansion in a media interview with a journalist in Abuja, the Executive Director of WiM-Africa, Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, noted that the network’s expanding footprint is promoting its Seven-Point Program Agenda, with strategic focus areas including youth leadership, mineral value addition, digital advocacy, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, and workplace safety.

he said: “We are now present in over 36 African countries, WiM-Africa has developed into one of the continent’s active gender-focused networks in mining and development. Its chapters provide structured forums where women miners, students, cooperatives, civil society, and sector stakeholders collaborate to promote more equitable, accountable, and inclusive mining practices.

“WiM-Africa’s chapter expansion model is increasingly referenced by development partners for its alignment with Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By localising broader strategic goals, the platform enables practical community engagement while maintaining a shared vision for gender equity in Africa’s mineral future.

“Chapters currently operate in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi, Namibia, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, South Sudan, and others, acting as hubs for action, research, and transformation.

“With each new chapter comes the potential to create safe mining zones, support women-led cooperatives, and promote responsible and inclusive governance at grassroots levels.

She also mentioned that chapters are emerging with a strong focus on trade, investment, and knowledge exchange, positioning African professionals abroad to contribute directly to local value chains, business linkages, and mineral sector innovation. These diaspora-led chapters are vital for connecting global expertise with grassroots transformation.

Asokoro-Ogaji emphasised that the strength of this movement lies in “its ability to decentralise leadership, ignite local action, and connect thousands of women and allies across borders with a unified voice.”

She also highlighted that the organisation maintains clear governance and ethical standards. Each approved chapter undergoes orientation, receives implementation tools, and gains access to joint advocacy campaigns. The model also prioritises inclusivity and accountability.

As part of its inclusive approach, WiM-Africa is launching Men Allyship Chapters, formal structures comprising up to 80 per cent male members, designed to serve as entry points for men committed to promoting gender equality in the mining sector.