NewzA high-level conference examining the nexus between governance, critical minerals, and conflict in Africa is underway in Accra, with policymakers, civil society actors, and industry leaders calling for reforms that place people at the centre of decision-making. The three-day conference, organised by the Open Society Foundations, runs from July 27 to 29 at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. The conference brings together policy analysts and stakeholders from across Africa to deliberate on the role of critical minerals in shaping the continent’s economic future while exploring ways to strengthen governance, economic justice, and sustainable development.
It is also serving as a platform for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration among leaders and practitioners working to advance democratic governance, peacebuilding, and shared prosperity across Africa. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of Democratic Futures in Africa at the Open Society Foundations, Dr Chukwuemeka B. Eze, said Africa’s mineral wealth alone cannot guarantee development or peace without transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance systems.
“The link between critical minerals and peace is not automatic. Where governance is transparent and inclusive, these resources can drive development. Where it is weak, they can deepen inequality and fuel instability,” Dr Eze said.
He said communities located close to mineral resources must have greater influence in decisions regarding their exploitation and the benefits derived from them. “Too often, those closest to the resources are the least involved in decisions about them. We must change this by ensuring community ownership and participation in governance processes,” he added.
Dr Eze warned that increasing global demand for critical minerals could expose African countries to new forms of dependency if they fail to coordinate their strategies and protect the continent’s interests. “Global demand is rising, and with it comes pressure. If African countries do not act together, we may reinforce dependency instead of building strength and resilience,” he said.
He noted that Africa has a limited opportunity to transform its mineral resources into lasting economic benefits by moving beyond the export of raw materials towards industrialisation. “Africa has a narrow window to transform its mineral wealth into real economic gains. Presidential Advisor and veteran National Democratic Congress (NDC) comrade Goosie Tanoh has called on African countries to take advantage of the growing global demand for critical minerals by building industries, creating decent jobs, and strengthening peace on the continent.
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