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The Simandou project is imminently due to become the world’s largest greenfield mining project and the largest ever undertaken on the African continent. This once-in-a-generation megaproject will not only place Guinea on the world stage as a top global producer of high-quality, low impurity iron ore, it will also set a new benchmark for large scale project development throughout the region.
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Rio Tinto attends Africa CEO Forum, Abidjan

May 12, 2025

Representatives supporting Government of Guinea in highlighting Simandou project and promoting investment in Guinea

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – Rio Tinto representatives will this week join the Africa CEO Forum, the continent’s largest gathering of senior business leaders alongside a Government of Guinea delegation to highlight the progress of the Simandou project and promote other opportunities for investment in Guinea.

Gerard Rheinberger, Rio Tinto’s Managing Director for Simandou and Chair of the Board of Directors of SimFer and Aboubacar Koulibaly Rio Tinto Country Director for Guinea will each speak on panels showcasing the unique partnership model of Simandou.

Speaking ahead of the event, Gerard Rheinberger said: “The Africa CEO Forum is one of Africa’s most important business events and a chance for Rio Tinto to talk about our work in Guinea on the international stage. As construction at Simandou progresses at an impressive pace, we are delighted to be able to showcase the unique and effective partnership model that the Government of Guinea has convened to develop the Simandou infrastructure.”

Aboubacar Koulibaly added: “As a company that has a long history in Guinea, we at Rio Tinto have a unique role to play in supporting and encouraging other international investors looking for opportunities in Africa. The countless investment opportunities across multiple sectors linked to the Simandou corridor make this a fantastic time to look at investing in Guinea and we are delighted to be playing our part in promoting this.”

Mr Rheinberger will speak on a panel entitled Why infrastructure will drive Africa’s industrial revolution where he will argue that the unique Simandou investment model represents a compelling way for Governments to unlock significant infrastructure mega projects.

Mr Koulibaly will represent Rio Tinto on the Government of Guinea’s “Invest in Guinea” event, speaking alongside Senior Government representatives and other private sector investors.

Now in its 12th year, the Africa CEO Forum is the largest annual gathering of the African private sector, bringing together over 2,000 business leaders, investors, policymakers, and heads of state from around the world between 12 and 13 May. The forum aims to shape the future of Africa by fostering dialogue, promoting investment, and driving economic growth. This year’s theme is “Can a New Deal Between State and Private Sector Deliver the Continent a Winning Hand?”