Highlights

• The aim of cooperation between Poland and other EU countries with partners in Africa is to strengthen the security of raw materials for Polish companies and ensure their access to key minerals.
• Poland brings to the cooperation many years of engineering experience, modern technologies and a strong research and development sector. Uganda and Rwanda offer enormous potential in terms of natural resources and a dynamically developing mining sector.
• Joint activities focus on exploration and mapping of deposits, implementation of sustainable mining technologies, modern mineral processing and treatment, development of geological and mining competences, knowledge transfer and institutional partnerships, investment support and public-private cooperation.

Uganda
During his visit to Uganda on 21-23 November 2025, Prof. Krzysztof Galos, the country's chief geologist, took part in the first Polish-Ugandan Mining Sector Conference and Business Forum, organised in Kampala by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH), the Polish Embassy in Nairobi, the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute, the Ugandan Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and the Ugandan Chamber of Energy and Mineral Resources.

The conference brought together representatives of governments, business, finance, science and institutions from both countries. Its aim was to build long-term partnerships in the mining, geological and raw materials sectors and to create a platform for developing joint projects.

During the official opening of the event, Deputy Minister Krzysztof Galos emphasised the strategic nature of Polish-Ugandan cooperation in the field of raw materials and mining.

Our cooperation with Uganda opens a new chapter in building secure and sustainable raw material supply chains. Poland offers comprehensive geological and mining expertise, while Uganda has significant mineral potential – together, we can create realistic projects. The joint statement we have signed is a clear signal that we want to develop this cooperation in a responsible, modern and mutually beneficial manner

– said Krzysztof Galos.

Our approach is based on the belief that mineral resources should support national development, not just the export of raw materials. Poland promotes sustainable development, security, regulatory transparency, the creation of added value through processing, and the education of future generations of engineers and geologists

– added Krzysztof Galos.

The highlight of the event was the signing of the Joint Statement of the Participants of the Polish–Ugandan Mining Conference, in which representatives of public administration, business, science and experts from Poland and Uganda recognised the significant potential for cooperation between both countries in the raw materials sector and declared their willingness to develop joint projects.

An important element of the programme was a study visit to key deposits in Uganda. It included cassiterite (tin) mineralisation deposits, pozzolan deposits, iron ore and tungsten deposits.

Rwanda
Deputy Minister Krzysztof Galos took part in the official inauguration of the PanAfGeo+ Country Window Rwanda project, which took place in Kigali with the participation of representatives of the Rwandan geological administration, the European Union and European geological services.

The event was attended by representatives of Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB – equivalent to the Department of Geology of the Ministry of Climate and Environment and the geological service), BRGM – PanAfGeo+ coordinator, the EU Delegation in Rwanda, the Polish Embassy and the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute (PGI-NRI). The Polish side was also represented by Maciej Młynarczyk, Director of the Department of Geology at the Ministry of Climate and Environment.

The key point of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between RMB and PGI-NRI, which formalises and strengthens cooperation between the geological services of both countries. The PGI-NRI plays a key role in the PanAfGeo+ Rwanda project as a coordinator as well as a technical and scientific partner.

During the thematic sessions, the main areas of cooperation under the project were discussed, including:

• monitoring of geological hazards, including landslides and mass movements,
• assessment and monitoring of seismic activity,
• management of post-mining waste and challenges related to artisanal mining,
• developing the competences of geological institutions.

PanAfGeo+ is not just a project, but a long-term partnership between European and African geological services, experts and institutions. Poland, thanks to PGI-NRI's more than 100 years of research experience, is now sharing this knowledge with our partners in Rwanda. This partnership combines learning with practical implementation and builds a solid foundation for collaboration. The cooperation between RMB and PGI-NRI, confirmed by the Memorandum, will be a model of effective cooperation between geological services for science and sustainable development

– said Krzysztof Galos.

From the perspective of geological administration, we strongly support PGI-NRI's involvement in the PanAfGeo+ programme, which is an important platform for building competence and exchanging knowledge. I believe that our experience in policy, regulation and geological practice provides a solid foundation for cooperation with Rwanda and all PanAfGeo+ partners

– added Maciej Młynarczyk.

During his visit, Deputy Minister Krzysztof Galos met with Rwanda's Minister of Environment, Bernadette Arakwiye, PhD, and RMB Director Alice Uwase. The Polish delegation also visited the headquarters of the geological service and the RMB laboratory, as well as the Polish tin mine Luna Holding and its smelter Luna Tin Smelter.

PanAfGeo+ (Pan-African Geological Capacity Building Programme) is an EU initiative supporting the development of geological expertise in Africa through cooperation between European and African geological surveys. PanAfGeo+ promotes long-term cooperation based on knowledge, standards and practical solutions, bringing together science, administration and industry. The programme is also part of the EU's strategy on critical raw materials, supporting secure and responsible supply chains for raw materials in Europe and Africa.