15. ESTHER MULIISA

Introduction

Constantly referred to as the `continent of wealth`, Africa is greatly endowed with both renewable and non-renewable natural resources. The African Continent is home to about 30 percent of the world’s total mineral reserves with a wide range of precious minerals spread across it. These include gold, bauxite, manganese, phosphates, diamonds and cobalt among various others. One would imagine that with this vast endowment, the specific countries endowed and as a result the continent at large is greatly benefiting economically from these minerals and thus achieving economic development. The appalling status quo is however to the effect that Africa remains the poorest continent despite all her mineral wealth. Even more alarming is the fact that the most endowed countries are among the poorest. A case in point example is the Democratic Republic of Congo that ranks the 4th poorest country in Africa. Despite being home to great mineral wealth such as gold, cobalt and copper, approximately 60 percent of its people continue to languish in poverty. This state of affairs can be justified by an array of factors such as corruption, civil wars, colonization among others. Africa is therefore in dire need of redirection of its mineral sector. This essay discusses how the youth on the continent can be at the helm of this redirection and change the face of the mineral sector of Africa.

 Youth and the Mineral Sector

Africa is blessed to be the world’s youngest continent with 60 percent of its population being under the age of 25. This is projected to further increase and is attributable to factors such as high fertility rates. This youthful population however continues to face various challenges with unemployment taking the front seat of all of these. The Mineral Sector of Africa has the unique capacity to provide a solution to this and also bring about economic development on the continent. For this to happen, the youth must recognize the special nature of this sector and the special role that it can play in developing Africa. They must take calculated and intentional steps to realize this. Some of the ways through which they can do this are discussed below.

 African Natural Resources Center, Catalyzing Growth and Development through Effective Natural Resources Management.

World Population Review, Poorest Countries in Africa 2021.

International Monetary Fund, African Department. The Democratic Republic of the Congo: Selected Issues.



Youth Coalitions. The Youth in Africa must form coalitions and associations as uniting fronts in the mission to create opportunities in the mineral sector. Concerted efforts always achieve results faster than individual ones. These youth groups must be both local (within the countries) and continental. The main agenda of these groups is to bring the youth together in lobbying toward the various stakeholders such the ministries in charge and the governments at large. These can also be used to sensitize the fellow youth on the benefits that can come from a well-regulated and managed mineral sector in Africa. United we stand, divided we fall.

 Social Mobilization and Advocacy toward changing of the existing negative policy frameworks of the Mineral Sector. The current policy framework of the Mineral Sector in Africa has certain aspects that cannot foster sustainable economic development. It does not adequately cater for the nationals and many a time these are left out of the entire sector. The youth in Africa must spearhead a shift from this to provide for policy frameworks that favor maximum benefits by the locals. For example, there should be percentages of the jobs in the mining sector reserved for locals, local mining companies should be given priority to foreign companies in mining contracts as well. The youth must advocate for this to change and involve the local people too. Petitions and collecting signatures are among the ways through which this can be done.

Capacity building. Many of the youth can’t benefit from the mining sector due to the lack of technical expertise that is needed within the sector. The majority that are involved are employed as casual laborers and this cannot stir the development necessary to transform Africa. There must be deliberate efforts to skill this labor force if the youth are to benefit. The youth through their groups can organize trainings in this area as well as lobby for their governments to invest in specialized training institutions that will equip the youth with the necessary skills for this sector. This is very pertinent to curb the expatriation of the proceeds from the sector through the employment of foreigners.

Involvement in the value chain. Beyond the primary mining activities, there are key opportunities along the value chain. Youth should involve themselves in addition of value to the minerals obtained as well as from the mining by-products. For example, gold can be used to make necklaces, rings among other jewelry. The youth can start up industries involved in such ventures as opposed to the exportation of the raw material only for African Countries to later on import back the finished products. This industrialization will also create job opportunities for many other youths.

Conclusion

The efforts of the youth in harnessing the mineral sector in Africa can indeed be a game changer if brought to fruition. The real success of the sector however relies on the governments in power taking various steps to change the current state of affairs. Why should Africans continue to walk and work on these rich grounds and continue to languish in poverty while the benefits of our riches are enjoyed outside Africa? As the youth we recognize our role to play and will play it. It is our earnest desire that our leaders do the same as we work together for a better African Mineral Sector.

Nguegan, N.F. Lack of Skilled Human Capital in Resource Rich Africa: The real paradox? July 2017, Great Insights Magazine

Naadiya Moosajee, Engaging Youth in the Mining Sector: Opportunity for Prosperity.

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