African countries could be crucial for diversifying global supply chains of strategic minerals. However, despite this mineral potential, Africa as a continent receives low levels of exploration expenditure. Particularly compared to global competitors due to perceptions of political risk, weak institutional and legislative environment, and infrastructure deficits. Furthermore, there are marked differences in stakeholders’ expectations of the energy transition.
The responsibility of ensuring African countries truly benefit from the green commodity boom is shared between African governments and policy makers as well as investors and companies. Governments must create attractive investment environments, built on strong institutions that ensure participation of all stakeholders, and in the transparent and accountable allocation of resource rents.
International and local partnerships with key allies and organizations will be vital in delivering ‘win-win’ outcomes to companies and civil society. This will include bi-lateral partnerships on regional value chains, PPPs with companies to secure benefits, and broad partnerships with consumer countries to secure skills and knowledge transfers. As International government and companies put increasing attention on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, there is space for greater African determination of what their own priorities are. The global drive for environmental protection should not come at the cost of worsening social and governance in producer countries.
Read the conference report:
This event is held in partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS). The conference will be broadcast live on the Africa Programme Facebook page.
Thematic agenda can be found here. Thematic agenda (in French) can be found here.
