Open Society Foundations convenes African experts for high-level conference on critical minerals, governance and conflicts
The Open Society Foundations has convened policy analysts and stakeholders from across Africa for a three-day high-level conference on governance, critical minerals and conflicts in Africa.
Held in Accra from July 27 to 29, the discussions focus on using the continent’s mineral resources to promote development, peace and democratic governance.
The conference examines how the governance of critical minerals can advance economic justice, conflict prevention and the protection of communities in resource-rich areas through transparency, accountability, inclusion and respect for human rights.
Speaking to ModernGhana News on the sidelines of the opening ceremony on Monday, July 27, the Director of the Democratic Futures in Africa programme at the Open Society Foundations, Dr Chukwuemeka B. Eze, said the discussions were aimed at developing strategies that place governance at the centre of Africa’s mineral opportunities.
“We are not just looking at what is wrong that exists with these critical areas, but we are looking at the future. How can we use the opportunities that is presented by itself to now advance a new charter for Africa and African citizens?” he said.
Dr Eze said the conference sought to move discussions beyond treating critical minerals, governance and conflict as separate issues and also encourage collaboration among governments, civil society organisations, policymakers and the media.
He added that African countries must invest in knowledge and education that address the continent’s challenges and strengthen its ability to process its own resources.
Also speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), Alexander Kofi-Mensah Mould, said Africa’s mineral wealth presents an opportunity that must be managed through strong institutions and inclusive governance.
He said the continent’s future would depend on whether its resources are used to create industries, jobs and shared prosperity.
“History reminds us that natural resources alone never guarantee prosperity. The difference was not simply the resource. The difference was governance,” Mr Mould said.
Mr Mould said the focus should move beyond extracting minerals to building value chains that support industries, technologies, skills development and African enterprises.
On his part, the Senior Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy Policy, Augustus “Goosie” Tanoh said the global demand for critical minerals presents Africa with a major decision on how it manages its resources.
He said the continent must avoid repeating past experiences where mineral extraction benefited other economies while local industries and communities gained limited value.
“The question is whether Africa will use them to build its own industries, create decent jobs, and strengthen peace, or be a collaborator and bystander,” Mr Tanoh said.
Goosie Tanoh said African countries must work together to build regional value chains, adding that cooperation through the African Continental Free Trade Area could support mineral processing, manufacturing and industrial development.
The conference was organised against the backdrop of the increasing interest in critical minerals and the opportunities and challenges associated with their governance, including accountability, equity, conflict prevention and community rights.
The expected outcome of the engagement is to develop stronger approaches for managing Africa’s critical minerals through inclusive governance, regional cooperation and policies that support value addition, industrialisation and shared prosperity.