Discussions have continued today at the Investing in African Mining Indaba which has brought together 7000 delegates from across the world to explore strategies on how to tap into Africa’s vast endowed natural resources for the benefit of African people. 

In an interview with TVC News, a pan-African News Channel broadcasting from Lagos and with offices and correspondents across Nigeria and Africa, Mrs Estherine Fotabong Director of Programme Implementation and Coordination, spoke yesterday on the need for effective governance intervention as Africa has abundant natural resources that should bring about economic growth and poverty eradication. Mrs Fotabong highlighted NEPAD’s Natural Resources Governance Programme (NRG) and how it will improve efficiency, transparency and sustainability of extractive industries in Africa in order to eradicate poverty and ensure maximum benefits for the population at local, regional and national levels. “We have support and commitment from Member States and there is political commitment to create better governance in the extractive industries sector. We often look outside the continent for support, but we need to first understand our resource base and build and tap on our local skills and this is where the NRG’s Programme 3 focus areas will be essential – Knowledge Management,  Capacity Development and Policy design, development and dialogue,“ she said.

 Dinner Dialogue on Africa Mining Vision

The NEPAD team in Cape Town has attended several panel discussions including a High Level evening Dinner Dialogue with Private Sector Leaders in Africa under the theme “Shared Benefits in implementing the Africa Mining Vision” hosted by the African Union Commission. The dinner gathered African Ministers responsible for Minerals Resource Development and business leaders including Chief Executives operating in the Mineral Sector and Chambers of Mines. It provided an opportunity for the NEPAD team to engage with various stakeholders in the extractive industries sector to promote NRG. 

There was robust discussion on how to implement the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) which African Heads of State adopted in 2009 and the NEPAD Agency is implementing through NRG. The AMV calls for a structural transformation of the minerals sector in Africa through enhanced linkages with the local economy, increased value addition, promotion of local content and empowerment, and a judicious and prudent use of mineral revenue to build up other forms of capital that can outlast the currency of mining.