Privatization in the minerals industry of Africa: participation of domestic private sector

Abstract

The adoption by many African countries of liberalization principles and policies placing emphasis on private sector in their economic development had opened up the African mining industry to both domestic and foreign-based private sector. This paper deals with the participation of African private sector (companies, entrepreneur’s groups, ordinary people) in both large and small-scale operations. After a brief on African private entities involved in large-scale mining operations, it reviews factors which, in some countries, facilitated the involvement of nationals in such activities; and suggests co-operation between private sector as one of the participation of indigenous activities.