Ad-hoc Expert Group Meeting on Mining Cluster Development in Africa: Welcome address By Mr. Josue Dione, Director Sustainable Development Division

Abstract

Welcome address By Mr. Josue Dione, Director Sustainable Development Division at the Ad-hoc Expert Group Meeting on Mining Cluster Development in Africa. Mr. Dione, on his remarks highlighted that, ECA believes that the poor performance of African countries in this area is not unavoidable and that, as in Canada and Australia, minerals represent potential wealth. Central to achieving these objectives is the existence of capable institutions, sound macro-economic underpinnings, and good governance. Understanding in detail the reasons for the poor performance of the mineral sector in Africa is at the core of the study. More important, however, is that in undertaking this study, we hope to advance and contribute knowledge on the fundamentals of mineral cluster development and identify opportunities for and constraints to such development.