SOAS Research Online

Abstract

Extractive resources provide employment, food security, export revenues, and a basis for private-sector development. They are vital for basic services since they largely form the pillar on which local livelihood systems are built, in addition to their cultural and social values. If managed inclusively and equitably, resource revenues can be the foundation for transformative change. But many African states affected by fragility and conflict have struggled to transform their resource wealth into practical development gains for their populations. They are encumbered by widespread poverty, frequent conflict, poor governance, weak administrative capacity, high perceptions of corruption, and challenging climates for doing business, which in essence relate to extractive resource management. Sustainable resource management has the potential to transform economies of resource- rich fragile states in Africa. This can be achieved through equity, inclusiveness, the preservation of natural capital, and the creation of decent jobs, especially for youth and women.