Wilson Center Africa Program
Securing Africa’s Critical Mineral Wealth: A Role for Sovereign Wealth Funds
On September 17, the Wilson Center Africa Program hosted an event on harnessing Africa’s critical mineral wealth to build infrastructure and new economies on the continent. The event specifically explored how African sovereign wealth funds can serve as a tool to reduce risk, increase investment, and enhance regional cooperation to ensure Africa’s critical mineral wealth is leveraged to develop sustainable value chains and promote socioeconomic growth.
Overview
Following opening remarks provided by Africa Program Director Oge Onubogu and Brown Capital Management President Robert Young III, the conversation was moderated by the Inaugural Brown Capital Management Public Policy Fellow, Dr. Patrick Utomi.
Dr. Utomi opened the conversation with a reflection on shifting narratives surrounding Africa and the divide between sub-Saharan Africa's mineral wealth and the prosperity of its people.
Helaina Matza, Acting Special Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment at the US Department of State, discussed US efforts to support cross-border infrastructure through projects like the Lobito Corridor. Ms. Matza shared how the Lobito Corridor works with African governments to improve critical mineral trade while opening up additional economic sectors.
Abdullahi Sule, Governor of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, discussed his administration's efforts to connect mineral markets within Nasarawa State with outside investment partners on the continent. He stressed the importance of strong public-private partnerships based on responsible management, equitable engagement, and subnational development.
Chipokota Mwanawasa, Senior Advisor to the President of the Republic of Zambia, reflected on the immediate challenges facing Zambia as well as the process of developing a long-term strategy that reflects trends in global markets and maximizes value for citizens from mineral wealth deposits.
Dr. Kayode Fayemi provided his perspective, having previously held positions as governor of Nigeria's Ekiti State and Former Minister of Mines and Steel Development. Dr. Fayemi similarly reflected on the measures required to coordinate actors and investment at both the subnational and national levels.
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Launched in September 2015, the Brown Capital Management Africa Forum provides a premier platform for substantive and solution-oriented dialogue on key trade, investment, and development issues in Africa, and in US-Africa relations. Learn more about the Forum's work on sovereign wealth funds here: Strengthening the Role of African Sovereign Wealth Funds in the International Financial System: Interplay between Policy, Governance, and Sustainability - Key Outcomes.
Speakers
Abdullahi Sule
Robert L. Young III
Chipokota Mwanawasa
Kayode Fayemi
Helaina Matza
Patrick Utomi
Oge Onubogu
Hosted By
Africa Program
The Africa Program works to address the most critical issues facing Africa and US-Africa relations, build mutually beneficial US-Africa relations, and enhance knowledge and understanding about Africa in the United States. The Program achieves its mission through in-depth research and analyses, public discussion, working groups, and briefings that bring together policymakers, practitioners, and subject matter experts to analyze and offer practical options for tackling key challenges in Africa and in US-Africa relations. Read more
Environmental Change and Security Program
The Environmental Change and Security Program (ECSP) explores the connections between environmental change, health, and population dynamics and their links to conflict, human insecurity, and foreign policy. Read more
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