GeoZS is a key partner in the PanAfGeo+ project, which began this year and will conclude in 2029. The project represents the third phase of the European Union’s PanAfGeo program and builds on the successes of the PanAfGeo-1 and PanAfGeo-2 programs, which were implemented in previous years. Could you briefly describe the goals and objectives of the two previous projects and explain how the PanAfGeo+ project builds upon them?

Co-funded by the European Union, PanAfGeo-1 and PanAfGeo-2 were designed to strengthen cooperation between European and African geological institutions and to promote the transfer of knowledge, experience and good practices in the geosciences. The first phase of the project (PanAfGeo-1), launched in 2016, has enabled institutional strengthening of a number of African geological services and improved their capacity to manage geological and mining data. The second phase (PanAfGeo-2), starting in 2021, built on the achievements of the first by systematically training African geoscientists in eight key areas - from geological mapping, mineral exploration and the use of geoinformatics to natural heritage management and environmental issues. The project has also enabled long-term human and institutional capacity building and the development of a network of trainers to take the knowledge forward on the African continent. The third phase, PanAfGeo+, which started in 2024 and will run until 2029, builds on the two previous projects by focusing on sustainable development, energy and digital transformation, and integrating new themes such as critical mineral resources, geospatial data and policy support. The project further strengthens the partnership between EuroGeoSurveys, the Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) and other stakeholders and consolidates PanAfGeo as a reference framework for intercontinental cooperation in the geosciences.

What were the key activities carried out by GeoZS in both projects and what tasks are ahead of you in the PanAfGeo+ project?

Lead partner

Why is the transfer of knowledge from the European geological institutes that make up EuroGeoSurveys to the African continent so important? Is this transfer of knowledge important primarily because of Africa’s potential mineral deposits?

The transfer of knowledge from European geological institutes to the African continent is important, but the mutual exchange of knowledge between European and African partners is even more important. This approach strengthens technical capacity on both sides and promotes the sustainable management of natural resources. More knowledge means greater benefits for people, the economy, and the environment. In the era of the energy and digital transitions, this is particularly important, as the mineral resources that enable these transitions are present in both Africa and Europe. Europe contributes by sharing scientific methods, expertise, and technologies for the responsible and sustainable use of mineral resources.

Lead partner

As coordinator, GeoZS coordinates the work of European and African partners in achieving the objectives of the Uganda Country Window. The main objective is to establish a reliable database of data, information and knowledge on potential critical resource deposits in Uganda. The compilation is carried out through the analysis of archival sources, specialist literature and online databases, as well as through field geological, geochemical and geophysical surveys. The second specific objective is to strengthen the capacity of the Geological Survey of Uganda (GSD) through transfer of expertise, staff training and improvement of technical equipment. The third objective is to effectively promote identified potential mineral deposits in order to encourage further exploration and responsible investment that will contribute to the sustainable development of the country in the long term and improve the livelihoods of the local population.

How important is it—in addition to strengthening the technical capacity of the Uganda Geological Survey in the field of geological sciences—to raise awareness about the sustainable extraction of critical mineral resources? 

Raising awareness among the local population is the first and most fundamental step in any environment before beginning any kind of geological exploration. We experienced this firsthand at a consultation with the local community in Uganda, where residents were very interested in what we would be doing in their area and how we would go about it, as they are aware that all such activities also have an impact on the local community. Raising awareness among the local population about the sustainable extraction of critical mineral resources, engaging local communities, and promoting an understanding of sustainability principles is extremely important and crucial for success and the responsible management of natural resources. Before exploration begins, it is therefore essential to establish an open and ongoing dialogue with the local community, as it is the residents themselves who will have to live with the long-term effects of these activities.

You've just returned from Uganda. What specific progress on the project was made at the meeting?

The inaugural PanAfGeo+ Uganda Country Window event took place on 30 September and 1 October 2025 in Entebbe. Hosted by the Geological Survey of Uganda (GSD) and coordinated by the Geological Survey of Slovenia, the event brought together senior government representatives, European partners and technical experts. The Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Resources Development, Ms Phiona Nyamutoro, officially launched the implementation of the programme and underlined Uganda's commitment to responsible mining development with data, transparent governance and inclusive growth. The event included panel discussions, technical presentations and talks on geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, with a strong focus on training, modern exploration methods and the promotion of investment in mineral exploration and exploitation.

At the kick-off meeting, we took important steps toward organizing future project activities. We laid the groundwork for three key segments of the project: collecting data on potential sites, strengthening the capacity of the Uganda Geological Survey, and promoting the project’s activities. We also agreed on a timeline for specific activities, including field surveys that will take place next year. The meeting thus provided a clear framework for the implementation of the project and the strengthening of cooperation between European and African partners.