Wind turbines with power plant in background

Africa Down Under | 3-5 September 2025

Strengthening Australian–African business ties and advocating for sustainable mining finance

 

The 23rd edition of the Africa Down Under (ADU) mining conference will be held from 3-5 September 2025 at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Perth, Australia.

 

ADU is the premier forum for fostering Australian-African business and government relations, offering a dynamic mix of live presentations, face-to-face meetings, and networking opportunities. Initially launched to shine the spotlight Australia's interests in African mining and energy, ADU has evolved into the largest African-focused mining event outside the continent. This growth is evident in the growing number of high-profile participants attending the annual 3-day gathering.

 

Building connections between Australia and Africa

Beyond its role in strengthening bilateral relations, ADU serves as the cornerstone of Africa Week – a week-long celebration of the expanding business, social, and cultural ties between Australia and Africa. Africa Week features a diverse programme of satellite events, including sessions on research, education, infrastructure, sustainable development, capacity building, energy, film, and the arts.

 

Nedbank CIB at ADU 2025

Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking is proud to once again sponsor ADU, building on the momentum and success we've achieved in the region. Our team will use this platform to engage with mining companies, investors, African government representatives and advisers – strengthening mining finance and cross-continental collaboration.

 

The expert in mining finance

A definitive feasibility study (“DFS”) is not ‘definitive’ unless it contains a funding plan.  Very often mining companies spend significant amounts of time and capital preparing and releasing a DFS.  A DFS is often seen as a milestone achievement of years’ of intense preparatory work towards the development of a mining project, which becomes a catalyst for a capital raise.  However, it would be incorrect to label a DFS as ‘definitive’ if it lacks a detailed funding plan.  Attempting a funding plan after a DFS is released is often too late, as the funding plan may be impacted by the procurement of capital goods and services for construction work, or vice-versa. Alternatively, retro-fitting a funding plan may result in the company having to reopen its DFS, specifically as it relates to procurement of capital goods and services.

Nedbank CIB strongly recommends a proper DFS should always include a funding plan.  This will signal to investors and stakeholders that the company’s project is development-ready. This will save time and costs and position mining companies favourably when transitioning into development.       

 

Meet our Mining and Critical Minerals  team

Join Cathy Nader, Principal of Mining and Resources at Nedbank CIB, at Africa Down Under 2025. As a key voice in mining finance, she’ll share insights into how Nedbank CIB supports Australian mining firms in navigating cross-border growth.

With a mandate that includes Australian-based mining companies, our team brings deep expertise in mining finance, critical minerals, and corporate advisory. Join us for meaningful conversations on sustainable development and sector expansion across continents.

 

Nivaash Singh

Head: Mining and Critical Minerals | Nedbank CIB

Nivaash is a seasoned investment banking professional with 23 years of experience across the Nedbank Group. His career spans both dealmaking and leadership roles, with influence at Group Executive and Group Credit Committee levels. Specialising in mining, resources, and chemicals finance, Nivaash has developed strategic relationships with global mining executives at a C-suite level. His deep sector expertise is backed by extensive experience in corporate and investment banking, gained through frontline, sector-specific roles.

Nivaash holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Accountancy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a qualified chartered accountant.

Cathy Nader

Cathy Nader

Principal: Mining and Critical Minerals

Cathy is a qualified Chemical Engineer and a CFA Charter holder with 24 years of experience in investment banking across various institutions.

Her expertise spans structured products and derivative valuation as well as structured debt finance.

She joined Nedbank's Mining and Resources Team in January 2007 and has since played a pivotal role in financing various mining companies and projects across the African continent.

Karabo Moeletsi

Karabo Moeletsi

Principal: Mining and Critical Minerals

Karabo joined Nedbank CIB's Mining and Critical Minerals Team in 2018 and has since worked on several debt financing transactions for mining and mining services companies across Africa.

His experience spans loan and debt capital market transactions across multiple jurisdictions and sectors, including mining, power, diversified industrials, telecommunications and technology, financial services, and the public sector. Karabo holds a Bachelor of Business Science (Honours) in Finance from the University of Cape Town.

Jean Pierre Smith

Jean Pierre Smith

Principal: Corporate Finance

Jean Pierre holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Accountancy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a qualified chartered accountant.

He brings over 13 years of corporate finance experience, including 4 years in advisory and 8 years working in London. Since joining Nedbank CIB in June 2016, Jean Pierre has advised both junior and large-cap companies across the mining and resources sector, offering deep expertise in strategic financial solutions.

Suren Sewkissoon

Suren Sewkissoon

Senior Client Coverage Banker: Mining and Chemicals

Suren has more than 22 years of banking experience, including 15 years in Client Coverage across multiple sectors, with a recent focus on mining. He has successfully executed a wide range of banking transactions, demonstrating versatility and deep sector knowledge.

As a dedicated Senior Client Coverage Banker, he serves as a single point of contact, ensuring clients have seamless access to Nedbank's full suite of services.