The African mining sector has a low representation of female players at the top managerial level despite women contributing significantly to the industry. Although women work in the whole spectrum of mining operations—from artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) to large-scale mining (LSM) operations—up to 99% of women in mining are in the ASM subsector. Regardless, Tiguidanke Mounir Camara is pioneering leadership in Africa’s mining sector.
Born in Conakry, Guinea, Camara began her entrepreneurial journey at a young age. In the late 1990s, while living in Morocco, she pursued management studies, laying the groundwork for her business expertise.
Camara set her sights on a different path after a stint in modelling in the United States. In 2009, she founded Camara Diamond & Gold Trading Network (CDGTN), and three years later, she established Tigui Mining Group (TMG). This company has become one of the few African mining firms owned by a woman, focusing on gold and diamond exploration, particularly in Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire.
Tiguidanke Camara believes that Africa’s mineral wealth holds vast potential to foster economic growth. Rather than relying on traditional, extractive mining practices, she is dedicated to changing the industry’s operations. Through her work at TMG, she demonstrates how mining can be both sustainable and empowering for local communities. By focusing on practices prioritising environmental stewardship and community involvement, Tiguidanke challenges the status quo and shows that mining doesn’t have to exploit people or resources.
As a passionate advocate for women in mining, Tiguidanke Camara has become a vocal proponent of diversity in the industry. She is, arguably, the only woman in Guinea who owns a mineral exploration company and has actively campaigned for more women to take up leadership roles in mining. She believes a more inclusive mining sector will be more innovative, efficient, and impactful.
Beyond her advocacy, the mining expert ensures that her company’s work benefits the communities where TMG operates. For example, her agricultural initiatives create jobs and empower women, helping them become financially independent in ways beyond traditional mining work. Through these efforts, she is shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for the mining industry and the surrounding communities.
Her achievements have earned her widespread recognition. She has been featured in influential publications such as Forbes Afrique and Mining Decisions, and her work has garnered attention from international media outlets like CNN and BBC World. She has also been invited to speak at numerous forums, sharing her insights on how mining can be a force for good and a catalyst for positive change in Africa.
For Camara, entrepreneurship is more than financial success. Instead, it’s about using her platform to influence change and shape a better future. She takes immense pride in the impact her company has on the ground. From providing job opportunities to improving women’s livelihoods, her work at TMG creates tangible results that are changing lives. Looking ahead, she is determined to expand her ventures and continue advocating for a mining sector that is more inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of local communities.
Tiguidanke Camara advises aspiring female entrepreneurs: “Start now.” She emphasises the importance of learning by doing and seeking guidance from mentors and experts. With unwavering focus and determination, the Guinean mining expert has proven that women can succeed in industries men have long dominated.
Additional reporting by Ishioma Imokhai-Bello.
