Research & Scholarly Publications
Beyond Resource Extractivism and Comparative Advantages: The Case for Energy Transitions in Africa
This article examines how Africa can use the global energy transition to move beyond dependence on raw resource exports and develop sustainable competitive advantages. It argues that mineral endowments and renewable energy potential offer significant opportunities but cannot, by themselves, guarantee industrial transformation. The authors advocate integrated mineral, climate, energy, trade and industrial policies that support local value addition, regional production networks and green manufacturing. Drawing on the African Mining Vision and the African Continental Free Trade Area, the article also emphasises investment de-risking, institutional capacity, responsible resource governance and stronger social compacts as essential conditions for inclusive economic transformation.