Making Mines Work Harder – Resource Nationalism Trends In Africa

"Despite the fact that Africa is resource rich many African countries are still struggling with the after effects of the 2008 global financial crisis and, with some notable exceptions like Botswana, much of its population has seen limited benefits of resource development to date. Within this environment, and as in many emerging economies, African governments have come under increasing pressure to ensure that the wealth derived from their natural resources is more broadly distributed to the benefit of the general population.

Africa is on the cusp of, or arguably already in, another resources boom and this, together with the fact that the resources sector has made a relatively quick recovery from the credit crisis, has made the mining sector an attractive prospect for governments seeking to restore or improve treasury conditions, or both.

The year 2011 saw many countries actively taking steps to increase the benefits they derive from their natural resources. In a number of African jurisdictions these steps have increased the level of uncertainty in doing business and highlighted issues of nationalisation and transparency. What remains as an underlying principle however, is that countries’ natural resources should be used for the greater benefit of their people.

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Continued global emphasis on corporate social responsibility and sustainable development has provided governments also with an opportunity to incorporate frameworks for community and social benefits, including local procurement, into their efforts to increase the benefits of resource development. The continued emphasis by governments on mining companies providing directly social benefits to affected communities and regions reflects a general view that simply increasing government participation and taxes does not always equate with immediate additional benefit for the local communities affected."

Extracto de notícia de Novembro de 2011, pode ser consultada em http://www.whoswholegal.com/news/features/article/29397/making-mines-work-harder-8211-resource-nationalism-trends-africa/

De acordo com esta notícia, existem evidências de que os governos africanos têm preocupações crescentes com o bem estar dos seus cidadãos. Na defesa dos seus direitos, procuram melhores contratos com as empresas estrangeiras estabelecidas nos seus países. O autor sugere que este tipo de atitudes é em parte inspirado pelas acções de RSE levadas a cabo em África.

Postado por Filipa Lelé