An assessment of the successes and challenges of the African Mining Vision in addressing socio-economic development

Abstract

In 2009, the African Mining Vision (AMV) was adopted. The aim was to improve governance practices in the extractives sector and to ensure that mining revenues contribute towards the development of the continent. This study sought to ascertain the successes and challenges of the AMV in achieving socio-economic development in Africa. Using Kingdon’s multivariate and crisis-driven model, the study encapsulated both a desktop and case study approach to analyze the challenges and successes of the AMV. The study finds that as a development framework for the extractives sector, the AMV has a lot of potential. Its biggest challenge is that most Member States are implementing it in a piecemeal manner choosing to focus on specific areas of reform. The existence of support from the AMDC seems to be inadequate to push Member States to undertake a full comprehensive alignment. At a Member States level, several challenges exist which impede the implementation of the AMV. These include minimal capacity to undertake geological surveys, limited skills base to undertake technological advancements in the mining sector, limited capital to undertake mining and hence a continuous dependence on foreign capital, absence of industrialization strategies and linkages between national, regional and international markets. Linked to these challenges are the existence of stabilization clauses which exist in previous contracts which were signed between Member States and multinational companies. The key major strength of the AMV is that it creates a policy dialogue space for Governments, the mining sector, mining communities, small-scale, artisanal miners, and the private sector to discuss issues pertaining to mining. Secondly, it places mining at the centre of sustainable development. The third strength is that the AMV has both a political and sustainable development support from all Member States of the African Union (AU). This is important to achieve a paradigm shift from exporters of raw materials to processors of natural resources. As noted in this study, at least a few Member States have started to domesticate the AMV at a national level as illustrated by the countries that were assessed in this study. The study concludes that the AMV has great potential but requires commitment at a national level to enable it to achieve its continental objectives and the envisaged socio-economic development in the AU Agenda 2063. Further, it is too early to attribute specific results to the AMV. Hence, the study recommends that Member States should commit financial resources to domesticate the AMV, develop industrialization frameworks that are harmonized with regional, and continental trade policies.