Annual conferences
Our unique annual conferences are the largest gatherings of the chromium industry and offer attendees the opportunity to gain valuable market insights, hear industry experts, keep up-to-date with industry issues and to access invaluable networking opportunities.
Networking event & dinner
Cape Town, SA
8 February 2026
The 5th edition of the ICDA Cape Town networking event and dinner reaffirmed its relevance and impact, drawing 120 delegates and marking one of the most successful gatherings since these events were launched.
While the South African chromium industry faces well-known challenges, the country remains a cornerstone of global chromium supply, with significant potential to meet the world’s demand for critical raw materials essential to strategic development.
Chromium 2026
Paris, France
10-12 November 2026
From Globalisation to Geopolitics: Commodities as Strategic Assets
Over recent years, the world has moved from an era of “happy globalisation” towards a more complex environment characterised by increased geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
In this context, commodities are increasingly recognised as critical and strategic assets supporting national development, economic resilience, and industrial competitiveness.
The conference will examine key global jurisdictions and how their resource endowments and industrial strategies contribute to shaping the chromium value chain.
We are delighted to welcome delegates to Paris, home of the ICDA headquarters, for what promises to be a highly engaging and insightful event. The city will provide a fitting and neutral
setting to examine the evolving global landscape and how regional developments continue to influence chromium markets.
Schedule
10 November 2026
10:00 - 17:00
Welcome desk open – Networking
18:30 - 21:30
Cocktail reception and welcome dinner
11 November 2026
09:00 - 12:00
Conference session 1 (including networking coffee break)
12:00 - 13:30
Networking lunch
13:30 - 15:00
Conference session 2 (including networking coffee break)
18:30 - 23:00
Gala dinner
12 November 2026
09:00 - 12:00
Conference session 3 (including networking coffee break)
12:00 - 13:30
Closing Networking lunch
The conference is open to both ICDA members and non-members.
Registration will open soon! Our dedicated team is available at admin-events@icdacr.com to provide registration assistance.
Reflecting on the Africa Chromium Week 2026
“A clear message emerged throughout the conference: the future of the chromium industry will be determined not only by the availability of resources, but by the ability to secure energy, develop infrastructure, adapt to evolving policy frameworks and meet increasingly stringent environmental requirements”
The event was graced by the presence of the Vice President of Zimbabwe, speaking on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, underlining the strategic importance of chromium to Zimbabwe’s economic development and industrial ambitions. The government’s direction is clear: raw chrome exports are no longer aligned with national strategy, and the long-term objective is to move further downstream into stainless steel
production.
Over these 2 days together we have explored the following topics
• ZImbabwe’s strategic outlook and national priorities
• Beneficiation, sustainability and energy – key to resources holder countries
• The urgent need for structural reforms in South Africa
• Policy, geopolitics and sustainability are the new fundamentals driving market changes • Efficient logistics and port-rail coordination are key to export competitiveness in Southern Africa • China, Indonesia and South Africa remain structural pillars of a polarised market amidst subdued demand
The event was attended by more than 200 delegates from around the world, with a strong local presence. It also benefited from government support, as well as sponsorship from Arxo Resources and TELF AG.
The various panel discussions, featuring some of the most prominent industry leaders, provided valuable insights into the current market environment, both globally and at local level.
We also had the privilege of hearing from industry captains, government representatives, and research analysts, alongside high-level networking in an excellent setting.
“The ICDA Conference 2025 in Spain was an interesting experience and provided with a valuable opportunity to meet participants from various regions and engage in constructive discussions.”
“Thank you very much, what a great event. We look forward to next one in Zimbabwe.”
“It was a great experience and a valuable opportunity to learn more about the chromium industry up close.”
“Organisation, venue, presentations, people…everything was brilliant!”
“Thanks for putting on a great conference – very valuable content.”
“As always, this is a very valuable conference for networking and staying up to date on latest market developments.”