Building the Future of Raw Materials – Together
On 17 March 2026, an international symposium on “Sustainable Mining & Circular Engineering” will take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event will bring together experts from Austria and Ethiopia and provide a platform for exchange on sustainable raw material extraction, circular economy and technological innovation.
The symposium is initiated by the Montanuniversität Leoben and organised in close cooperation with Addis Ababa University and the Austrian Embassy in Ethiopia. Its aim is to establish a long-term strategic partnership between European and East African institutions in the field of sustainable raw material systems.
Objectives
The symposium aims to strengthen scientific and economic relations between Austria and Ethiopia and to jointly develop solutions for sustainable raw material strategies. It is intended to serve as a starting point for new research collaborations, academic programmes and industry partnerships, and to contribute to positioning Austria as a reliable long-term partner in sustainable technologies in Africa.
Programme and Formats
The symposium is embedded in a multi-day delegation visit and includes:
- Keynote lectures and expert presentations
- Moderated panels on sustainable mining and circular engineering
- Bilateral meetings between universities, research institutions and industry
- Exchange formats with ministries and policy-makers
- University visits and cooperation meetings
- A cultural programme to strengthen long-term partnerships
Local Partner
The symposium is organised in close collaboration with Addis Ababa University, one of the leading universities in East Africa with strong expertise in raw materials, geosciences and sustainable development. The university maintains close links with governmental institutions and has a strong network in research, education and industry, making it a key partner for regional engagement.
Participants
Participants will include representatives of Montanuniversität Leoben, Addis Ababa University and other Ethiopian universities and research institutions. The delegation will be complemented by representatives from ministries, industry and non-governmental organisations.
Significance for Austrian–Ethiopian Cooperation
The symposium aims to strengthen scientific and economic relations between Austria and Ethiopia and to jointly develop solutions for sustainable raw material strategies. It is intended to serve as a starting point for new research collaborations, academic programmes and industry partnerships, and to contribute to positioning Austria as a reliable long-term partner in sustainable technologies in Africa.Ethiopia is one of the key growth regions in Africa, with significant raw material resources and an increasing demand for sustainable technologies and infrastructure. The symposium is conceived as a bridge between European technological expertise and African development potential and aims to lay the foundation for long-term cooperation in research, education and economic diplomacy.
Expected Outcomes
The symposium will initiate the development of a long-term Austrian–Ethiopian network in the field of sustainable raw materials. It will foster joint academic programmes and research initiatives, enable pilot projects in sustainable resource management and contribute to a stronger presence of Austrian institutions and companies in East Africa.
Event Details
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Date: 17 March 2026
The symposium is embedded in a multi-day delegation visit around this date.
Registration
Participation is limited to 100 participants.
Early registration is strongly recommended.
Important:
Your participation is only confirmed after you receive an official confirmation email from the organising team.
Only confirmed participants will receive one of the 100 available places.
Confirmation Process
After submission of the form:
- All registrations will be reviewed by the organising committee
- Selected participants will receive an official confirmation email
- Only after receiving this confirmation is your participation officially secured
Contact
Clemens Weihs
Team Lead Strategic Partnerships
International Relations & European University
Montanuniversität Leoben
E-mail: clemens.weihs(at)unileoben.ac.at
Phone: +43 664 80898 8028
Web: www.unileoben.ac.at