Quarter 2: April – June 2020

COVID 19 RESPONSE: At the beginning of May, 2020 AWEIK donated 300 face masks to the Principal Secretary Amb. Peter Kaberia of the State Department of Mining as support towards the Ministry’s efforts in mitigating against the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that has had great impact to the mining sector in Kenya. During the visit issues affecting women in mining were also presented to the PS including the stringent policies on renewal of licenses every five years, availability of equipment such as excavators for small scale miner and market access due to supply chain disruptions as a result of travel restrictions within and without Kenya.

Picture from Left hand: Amb. Peter Kaberia, Beth Muindi (Owner Hardrock Mining), Miriam Wairimu Kamau, Founder and Director of Mimo Gem Traders and Hannah Wang’ombe CEO, AWEIK

Further, AWEIK embarked on hosting virtual FireSide Chat series from the month of May 2020 aimed at assessing the current issues posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the Oil, Gas and Mining sectors including emerging issues, opportunities and potential solutions to mitigate its negative impacts.

AWEIK FireSide Chat #1: “African solutions towards rebuilding “mine to market” dynamics post COVID 19”.

The Webinar sought to facilitate dialogue and collaborative solutions among key stakeholders in the Mining industry in Africa on how it can leverage, reconfigure and prepare itself to thrive under a new normal, one in which African miners can reach global markets and grow in production and networks under the new constraints, challenges and aftershocks of this “Black Swan” event.

During our May Fireside Chat, mining sector policy makers and practitioners offered insights on;

• What is the vision for Kenya and the continent in facilitating “mines to market” linkages post COVID-19? What will it take to scale up operations in the sub sector in light of lower commodity prices?
• What does the gem and jewellery market look like post COVID 19? How can miners connect with buyers directly in light of disrupted value chains?
• What is the role of the private sector in driving a competitive edge for increased uptake of African gemstones in international markets?
• How are miners, dealers and jewellers impacted by the pandemic? Are there considerations of alternative livelihoods?
• Is there scope for both men and women in mining to emerge as key players post Covid-19? Are there emerging opportunities?

AWEIK FireSideChat #2: The Changing Landscape of Africa’s Mining Sector Post COVID-19: What will characterize the new normal?

The AWEIK Fireside Chat #2 intends to discuss a wide array of perspectives and diverse approaches that will catalyze change and generate new opportunities for sustainable mining on the African continent. The panelists focused on the following focus areas:

– Exploration vis a vis mining dynamics

– Promoting linkages with other pillars of the economy

– Incorporating innovation and technology

– Establishing government relations and community engagement

– Driving local content

– Empowering women, youth and other gender dynamics

– Advancing partnerships/collaborations