The event explored how to ensure positive, secure resource governance in Africa.
Chatham House partnered with the government of Slovenia, the European Union, and the Bled strategic forum to co-host an Africa Day conference on security and natural resource governance on 30 May in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The conference highlighted Slovenia's prioritization of climate security during its tenure on the UN Security Council and explored how to ensure good, secure resource governance on the continent of Africa.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Foreign and Security Affairs of Slovenia HE Tanja Fajon highlighted the importance of institutions and partnerships for resource governance, saying:
'Peace and security are essential foundations for sustainable growth, and it is vital to support efforts that strengthen institutions, promote governance and enhance regional cooperation. Only by working together in partnership can we build a safer and more stable future. Slovenia supports and will continue to support emerging partnerships with African countries.'
During the event a high-level panel discussed how to improve regional collaboration to enable equitable sharing of resources, stop criminal networks whose activities undermine good resource governance, and ensure continuing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
DRC Minister Delegate for International Cooperation and the Francophonie, Bestine Kazadi Ditabala, said:
'A priority for the DRC is to enhance the performance of artisanal mining, given the sector's importance for our local communities. We want to reinforce the capacities of artisanal miners to further develop small-scale mining, and improve their technical capacities.'
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'Our goal is the promotion of the DRC as a stable and reliable investment destination for external investors. This includes the stabilization of the fiscal regime, guarantees for investors, protection against expropriation, the traceability of minerals, better governance and the continued fight against corruption'.
The conference also explored the relationship between natural resource governance and human rights.
Reflecting on Slovenia's constitutional enshrinement of the right to clean water, Chatham House Associate Fellow Sheila Khama noted that, for Africa, 'the intersection between mineral resources and non-renewable resources is fundamental. It is the gap between sustainability or the lack of it. Mining requires a lot of water, but we need to make sure that does not detract from citizens' rights to access this resource'.
Senior Research Fellow Christopher Vandome said:
'Slovenia's prioritization of water management and climate security, coupled with the extent of engineering expertise, offer significant opportunities for collaboration with African countries, and can make important contributions to EU discussions on responsible sourcing in Africa.'
The Africa Programme would like to thank its partners and all those who attended for their help delivering this valuable event.
