Africa: A Cursed Continent or a Sleeping Mineral Resource Giant?

Today is the last day of Africa Day; the last day that we appear to have a collective conscience about African unity. While the festivities and jubilation on 25 May signalled confidence, economic optimism and a positive outlook for the continent, a number of burning questions remain regarding Africa's future. For me, one of the most critical questions is: "Why does the continent remain so poor, despite the vast wealth in natural resources?"

The simplest answers include references to corruption, mismanagement of funds, poor leadership and the impact of colonialism, As an academic and policy advisor mineral resource governance issues, I've spent numerous years researching, writing and consulting on Africa's relationship with its own natural resources, as well external trade partners who have an economic interest in our mineral wealth. I've committed the next few years to research further and collaborating on commercial and academic projects that shed more light into how Africa manages its natural resource wealth, and how it engages with key international players such as China in the exploitation and trade of these valuable assets.

This is one of several articles I've written in previous years, with a focus on Africa's relationship with its own mineral resources and trade partners. With many more to come, including a new book this focusing on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and China, I've included here a previous article on two countries, focusing mainly on highlight Beijing's strategy in Africa. -Using the DRC as a case study, the goal is better to understand how African countries manage their mineral resource trade, in relation to their trade relations with the international community. Co-authored with Victor Ojakorotu (my current PhD supervisor) and Choja Oduaran.??

Full Article Download Link: https://bit.ly/2Ml5A1

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