Launch of African Minerals Development Centre, Maputo, 16 December 2013 (Courtesy of UNECA Facebook Page)
High expectations are held for the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) that was launched two weeks ago (16 December 2013) in Maputo, Mozambique, by the United Nations Development Programme and its partners. The centre, based in Ethiopian capital city Addis Ababa, is co-sponsored by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank.
Malawi’s Minister of Mining John Bande and Principal Secretary Leonard Kalindekafe attended the launch along with 200 guests.
John Bande, Malawi’s Minister of Mining, attending African Minerals Development Centre launch in Maputo, 16 December 2013 (Courtesy of UNECA Facebook Page)
Malawi’s Principal Secretary of Mining Leonard Kalindekafe (right) in discussion at the launch of the African Minerals Development Centre, Maputo, 16 December 2013 (Courtesy of UNECA Facebook Page)
The launch was held during the third Ordinary Session of the African Union Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Mineral Resources Development. This conference, “Leveraging the Africa Mining Vision for Africa’s Renaissance towards broader ownership”, took place from 13 to 17 December 2013 with the aim of deepening participation and implementation of the Africa Mining Vision.
It is surprising that the Africa Mining Vision, endorsed in 2009 by the African Union Heads of State and Government, is not mentioned in Malawi’s new Mines and Minerals Policy (2013) because the Vision aims to address the paradox of great mineral wealth that exists side by side with pervasive poverty.
The AMDC will provide strategic and operational support for the Africa Mining Vision. It will thus work with African countries to promote the transformative role of mineral resources in development through better integration of the mining sector into national economic and social activities. ,
A key objective of the Centre is to ensure that Africa’s interests and concerns in this lucrative sector are properly articulated and internalized throughout the continent, for the benefit and prosperity of all.
The AMDC advocates for the enhanced use of geological and geospatial information to manage long-term developmental outcomes in African mining countries, as well as a well-governed African mining sector that is socially and environmentally accountable. The Centre also aims to contribute to the fostering of a highly skilled and knowledge-driven mining sector which delivers greater economic and social benefits as a result of high productivity levels.
For further background information, publications and notifications of events, see UNECA’s site.
