Natural resources and technology: competitiveness and sustainable development in Africa

Abstract

This paper has been prepared for the Food Security and Sustainable Development Division by a visiting scholar, Mr. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka. The views expressed are those of its author and do not necessarily reflect those of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The paper examines the issue of "re source-curse" paradox in the context of Africa's persistent underdevelopment. We examine the state of Africa's natural resources and the importance of natural capital in relation to other forms of capital - human, physical, and created capitals. We outline the constraints to competitiveness of Africa's industry and conclude with a number of propositions.