MICHUZI BLOG

The APRM could be harnessed to foster a concrete transformation in the management of mineral resources in Africa.


The extractive industry is a dominant sector in many African economies and accounts for a significant share of its exports, yet it has not spurred broad-based development and economic structural transformation on the continent.  Improving governance and management systems anchored on strong and capable institutions are some of the key factors to addressing this challenge and harnessing Africa’s mineral endowments for growth and development.


To discuss this concern, the Sub-regional Office for Eastern Africa (SRO-EA) of Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) jointly with the United Republic of Tanzania organize the 16th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts (ICE) under the theme “Harnessing the Africa Peer Review Mechanism Potential to Advance Mineral Resources Governance in Africa.”
The meeting will be held in Tanzanian city of Dar es Salaam from 13 to 17 February 2012.


“Increased transparency in the management of mineral sector, better social compacts and participation of stakeholders in decision making are prerequisites to enhancing the contribution of the extractive industry to the socio-economic development of the sub-region”, said Mr. Antonio Pedro, the Director SRO-EA. 
During the past decade, there were many initiatives and mechanisms to strengthen governance of mineral resources. Most of these are externally designed and have had mixed results. “The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), an Africa owned initiative, has the potential to be used to advance the governance of mineral resources in Africa”, added Mr. Pedro.
He further indicated that the ongoing revision of APRM questionnaire for country reviews with the inclusion of an extractive industry specific questionnaire offered an opportunity to use the APRM framework to advance governance in the mining sector. 


Mr. Pedro mentioned that the Africa Mining Vision (adopted by the African Union Heads of State and Government in February 2009) would be a core reference document for the discussions at ICE. The Vision advocates for transparent, equitable and optimal exploitation of mineral resources to support broad-based sustainable growth and socioeconomic development. 
The meeting will bring together experts and decision makers, representatives from 14 countries including the newly-born nation of Southern Sudan. 


 “Our countries are looking forward to discuss this significant theme and come up with clear resolutions that will boost our nations to middle income economies. For Uganda, the theme is relevant and opportune given the recent discovery of oil in our country. We shall ensure that Uganda is adequately represented in Dar es Salaam,” said H.E. Richard Kabonero, Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to Rwanda.


For more information, photos and interviews please contact:
Mr. Didier Habimana| Email: dhabimana@uneca.org
Communication Officer| Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa (SRO-EA) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)|P.O. Box 4654| Kigali, Rwanda| 


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