Alex Benkenstein’s Post

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Programme Head at South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA)

Thrilled to be in Lusaka today for the advocacy workshop on Promoting Awareness of Sustainable Mineral Resource Management Governance in Zambia and its Alignment with the Africa Mining Vision (AMV), hosted by the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) with the European Union. Mining contributes about 72% of Zambia's export earnings and 44% of government revenues. More than that, Zambia is strategically positioned in a region rich in minerals, including green/critical minerals. If Africa is to benefit from its green minerals, countries cannot go it alone - regional value chains will be essential. That is why the agreement between Zambia and the DRC to collaborate in developing EV battery value chains is so interesting. The workshop opened with a timely reminder by interim AMDC Director Marit Y. Kitaw of the centrality of Africa's green minerals to the continent's development ambitions. Mtwalo Msoni has done an excellent job taking us through the findings of the report. Wonderful to see the African Mining Vision, African Mineral Governance Framework and other tools making a very tangible difference in how we are able to engage with the mineral governance and value addition debates at country and regional level. Later today, we'll be doing a 'soft launch' of the forthcoming African Green Minerals Observatory, an extremely exciting AMDC initiative we have been supporting. I'll be joined up front by Marit and the always-impressive Claude Kabemba. Big things happening - watch this space! #criticalminerals #africandevelopment #zambia

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Isaac Kusi

FOUNDER & CEO at KRISMARK

5mo

Minerals in the ground will not regenerate once they are taken out. We must preserve them for future generations. It is not a matter of negotiations for a better deal with so called investors. These folks are just storing the minerals for the future when there will be nothing left in Africa. Our governments must mine the minerals and stockpile for future generations.

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Jabri Ibrahim

Chevening Scholar. Africa Special Programmes Lead: Clean Power, Green Hydrogen, Critical Minerals Mining & Clean Cooking.

4mo

Very interesting developments, Alex! Congratulations on the great work. I'll reach out soon on this.

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