Progress achieved in the implementation of the recommendations made by the first conference of African Ministers responsible for the development and utilization of mineral resources and energy as well as major events and trends which have marked the African mining industry over the past two years

Abstract

The first Regional Conference of African Ministers responsible for the Development and Utilization of Mineral Resources and Energy was held in Accra, Ghana, from 20 to 23 November 1995. This conference marked a significant shift by addressing both mining and energy issues, following the resolution of the ECA Conference of Ministers to rationalize policy and subsidiary organ meetings. The Ministers highlighted the paradox between Africa's abundant mineral and energy resources and the continent's poor socio-economic conditions. The ECA secretariat undertook various activities to implement these recommendations, including publishing the conference report, submitting recommendations to the ECA Conference of Ministers, and integrating them into the biennial work programme for 1996-1997. Specific actions included studies on selected minerals, privatization, and the impact of macroeconomic frameworks on the mining industry.