Revamping Africa's mineral exploration strategy

The Director and CEO of African Legal Support Facility, Olivier Pognon, is leading efforts to enhance state-owned equity and negotiation margins for African nations in their pursuit of sustainable mineral resource exploration. In an interview with CNBC Africa at the Mining Indaba 2024 in Cape Town, Pognon emphasized the need for governments and the private sector to maximize the benefits of mineral exploration for the host communities involved. He highlighted the evolving role of legal advisors in the mining industry space and the increasing focus on governance, environmental considerations, and social issues such as gender and youth empowerment. Pognon commended the inclusion of these critical topics in the agenda of the Mining Indaba, signifying a positive shift towards a more holistic approach in the industry. The African Legal Support Facility, as a key player in providing legal and advisory services, plays a crucial role in ensuring that the interests of African governments are adequately represented in contractual and commercial agreements within the mining sector. Pognon emphasized the importance of structuring the value chain for critical minerals to benefit African countries and their populations, from exploitation to commercialization. By drafting equitable and sustainable contracts, the ALSF aims to safeguard the long-term interests of African nations and prevent exploitative practices in the industry. The interview also touched on the issue of ownership within the mining sector, particularly the need for increased black ownership and local content in Africa's mining value chain. Pognon acknowledged the significance of state-owned equity and emphasized the need for African governments to maximize the benefits of resource exploitation for their populations, without creating friction with the private sector. He highlighted the upcoming event on the African Mineral Legislation Atlas (AMLA), a joint project with the World Bank that aims to consolidate mining legislation across the continent. The initiative seeks to provide a comprehensive repository of mining laws to facilitate better governance and regulation in the sector. Overall, Pognon's insights underscore the critical role of legal frameworks in promoting sustainable and inclusive mineral exploration in Africa, while ensuring that the proceeds benefit local communities and contribute to economic development.