As new discoveries of minerals, oil and gas spring out throughout Africa, mixed feelings of jubilation and caution fill the air. Will Africa, by virtue of the new enormous mineral deposits rise and claim its place or could these new developments spur Africa’s demise or re-conquest? It has to be noted that at the heart of these new developments are the usual large multinational corporations from the west, but in addition emerging large economies such as China and India are also pushing to claim a share of their prize in order to supply their own rising demand. As the west slows down and the east rises quickly, Africa will become the next frontier. It seems Africa’s arable land, water, forestry, and numerous deposits are once again up for grabs. This realisation needs to spur quick, strategic and responsible reactions from African governments and their policy makers, otherwise Africa’s natural endowments will never contribute to its sustainable development.

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Written by Dr Olivia Kokushubila Lwabukuna, research specialist in sustainable development and international trade at the Africa Institute of South Africa