Second Regional Conference of African Ministers Responsible for the Development and Utilization of Mineral and Energy Resources: Statement of K. Y. Amoako, UN under secretary general and executive secretary, ECA

Abstract

Statement of K. Y. Amoako, UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary, ECA at the Second Regional Conference of African Ministers Responsible for the Development and Utilization of Mineral and Energy Resources. Mr. Amoako, on his remarks outlined that, Mining and energy sector operations have always been an important factor in Africa's development prospects, more so in some countries than in others. And their importance is certain to grow in the future. Achieving peace and ensuring economic and social stability are important targets African countries need to meet. Apart from devastating the lives of people in some African countries the rush of internal conflicts that plague us add to the continent's negative image, and by degrees cement the idea that we are not ready for business. It is encouraging that the various sub regional groupings in the continent (SADC, COMESA, UEMOA, EAC, ECOWAS, UMA) have adopted protocols in the energy sector for cooperation in policy and planning, in the building of capacity, in electricity grid interconnections, and in rural electrification and, new and renewable energy sources. Partnerships between Governments and the private sector facilitated by the inter-governmental machinery and multilateral agencies is key to the development of the minerals and energy industries, and therefore key to Africa's socio-economic development.