Summary
- The African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) plays a pivotal role in shaping a unified policy framework to transform the African mining sector, by advancing sustainable development and supporting the African Mining Vision in the interests of a prosperous and inclusive Africa. However, the unresolved ratification status raises questions regarding the commitment of member states to the AU and the centre’s significance in achieving these goals.
- The co-created strategic foresight framework designed to support the AMDC’s mandate is centred on four key pillars: implementing the African Mining Vision, leveraging geological information systems, fostering economic linkages and value chains, and empowering artisanal and small-scale mining communities. By deepening and embedding strategic foresight and anticipatory governance, this framework can contribute to addressing vulnerabilities, building resilience and enhancing governance in the African mining sector.
- Collaboratively formalising and adopting the strategic foresight framework within the broader mining ecosystem can significantly enhance awareness and foster proactive responses to emerging challenges and opportunities. This approach will strengthen futures-informed decision-making and facilitate the necessary shifts towards more resilient outcomes.
- Addressing institutional inertia by improving the ratification status of member states will foster collective alignment and better equip the mining sector to navigate continental and global shifts. By exploring plausible futures rather than predicting a single outcome, member states will be better prepared for changes, such as shifts in global demand, regulatory environments and technological advancements. Increased ratification will benefit member states in that they will form part of a policy environment that is not reactive but anticipatory.
- By adopting strategic foresight, the AMDC can become a centre for excellence, serving as a convenor of strategic conversations for member states. This will promote a foresight-led social contract that enhances strategic planning, builds foresight capacities, and cultivates a culture of innovation and learning.
