Events

OCP Policy Center, Rabat

Africa is endowed with an abundance of renewable (e.g. forestry, water, wind, solar etc.) and non-renewable (extractives, oil, gas, minerals) natural resources. It is estimated that the continent accounts for about 15% of global oil reserves, 40% of its gold, 80% of platinum group metals, 23% of land area, 7% of forests and 4% of inland water. The continent is also host to a variety of other solid minerals. 

Such abundance of resources exposes the continent to several opportunities and challenges. In effect, if poorly managed, natural resources can make countries vulnerable to the political and economic instability generated by commodity price fluctuations, governance issues and negative social and environmental outcomes. However, if well managed and invested, wealth from natural resources will accelerate Africa’s economic transformation, and create jobs and opportunity for present and future generations. Therefore, the challenge is to capitalize on the positive outcomes of extractive industries and maximize their local content in a way that best serves the interest of local populations and sustains the development of the producing countries.

In this Context, the African Development Bank’s African Natural Resources Center (ANRC), King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) and OCP Policy Center (OCPPC) are organizing an international workshop that seeks to generate insights about creating positive outcomes and local content from mining, oil and gas.  New case studies from mineral-producing countries will be shared by the ANRC and OCPPC and new research about local content in Eastern Africa will be presented and discussed.  

Agenda