PanAfGeo+ to Focus on delivering reliable, investment-grade geological information, building a cadre of skilled geoscientists , supporting transparent investment climate

Geoscientists and government officials have revealed that the PanAfGeo+ project which was launched in Uganda will focus on three essential elements to harness the potential of the Ugandan mining sector: (1) delivering reliable, investment-grade geological information; (2) building a cadre of skilled geoscientists; (3) and supporting the development of an open and transparent investment climate.

European Union and Germany have committed funds to a project within the Mines Department to develop the National Minerals Database, a Digital Chain of Custody System, and an Investment Promotion Website — all designed to provide the public with convenient, transparent access to information about the sector.

Speaking during the launch of the PanAfGeo+ Uganda Country Window on 30 September 2025 at K Hotel, Entebbe, H.E Sadek said building on this commitment, the European Union and Germany have committed funds to a project within the Mines Department to develop the National Minerals Database, a Digital Chain of Custody System, and an Investment Promotion Website all designed to provide the public with convenient, transparent access to information about the sector.

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‘’The PanAfGeo+ reflects our shared ambition: to transform Uganda’s rich mineral endowment into a foundation for sustainable development, and to deepen the partnership between Uganda and the European Union. Uganda is blessed with remarkable geological potential. Alongside gold, iron ore, and phosphates, the country also holds critical raw materials that the world urgently needs for the transition towards renewable energies and digitalisation’’, said H.E Sadek.

He added that turning potential into prosperity requires more than a rich resource endowment.

‘’The full realisation of Uganda’s mineral sector depends on putting the right enablers in place: (i) a predictable, transparent and fair regulatory environment; (ii) supporting infrastructure, notably access to sustainable energy; (iii) appropriate skills and technology; and (iv) high-quality mineral data. And through PanAfGeo+ we are going to contribute directly to three of these essential elements to harness the potential of the Ugandan mining sector: (1) delivering reliable, investment-grade geological information; (2) building a cadre of skilled geoscientists; (3) and supporting the development of an open and transparent investment climate’’, he said.

While launching the project , the state Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Fiona Nyamutoro announce the government’s commitment to transforming Uganda’s mineral potential into sustainable prosperity.

“Our mineral sector holds world-class potential for critical minerals vital to the global clean energy transition. For Uganda to attract large-scale investment, we must de-risk our prospects with internationally standardised data. The PanAfGeo+ program is a game changer—it is about building capacity, transferring skills, and positioning Uganda’s Geological Survey Department as a centre of excellence,” she said.

Dr. Miloš Bavec, director of Geological Survey of Slovenia said the event not only marks the beginning of this project, but also a celebration of the power of international collaboration across continents, institutions and communities.

‘‘GeoZS is here as the coordinator of the PanAfGeo+ Uganda country window with a very clear objective to support our partners in Uganda with our knowledge and experience.Our role is not to guide the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines team, but to walk alongside them together with colleagues from the Czech Geological Survey, the National Laboratory of Energy and Geology of Portugal, the Polish Geological Institute and the Geological Survey of Finland’’, said Bavec.

Bavec added that Geological Survey of Slovenia is determined to offering technical expertise, sharing their experience and ensuring that the project truly meets Uganda’s needs.

‘’Through this spirit of partnership, we can create lasting value for your institutions and communities’’, added Bavec.

The Pan-African Support to Geological Sciences and Technology — or PanAfGeo — is an EU-funded initiative that began in 2016 and has since been active in many countries across Africa. The programme now enters its third phase, entitled PanAfGeo+, which is implemented by a consortium of European Geological Surveys led by the French Geological Survey. This third phase builds on achievements of previous phases and carries forward its mission to promote the sustainable management of Africa’s geological resources and to strengthen EU–Africa cooperation in geosciences.

The programme combines actions at the continental level with activities that are tailored to the specific needs of each partner country, which are delivered through so-called “country windows”.

Dr. Slavko V. Solar, Director of the Uganda Country Window, outlined the project’s workstreams, which include geological mapping, laboratory upgrades, postgraduate training, and promotion of Uganda’s mineral targets to global investors.

Dr. Fred Alex Tugume, Acting Commissioner of DGSM’s Geological Survey Department, emphasized the department’s century-long history and the significant international partnerships that have shaped its progress.

“This cooperation we are kicking off today is complementary to many achievements already made. It is timely and rhymes with the objectives of our department. Geological exploration and quantification remain central to Uganda’s development agenda, as outlined in the National Development Plans,” Dr. Tugume noted.

Representing the Permanent Secretary, Grace Tusiime, Under Secretary of the Ministry said this launch is the outcome of years of preparation and the start of a partnership that will unlock Uganda’s mineral sector.

Within the framework of the Uganda–EU partnership, the European Union and Uganda work closely together through a wide range of joint actions across many sectors to advance these enablers. For instance, under our Global Gateway strategy, Team Europe seeks to bridge the infrastructure investment gap for sustainable development. A prominent example is Team Europe’s support package for the rehabilitation of the Nalubaale and Kiira Hydropower Plant System, which is vital for ensuring reliable and sustainable energy – a prerequisite not only for mining but also for Uganda’s broader industrialisation and economic growth.