Geoscience is Africa’s key

Limited knowledge of geosciences in Africa is thwarting the maximisation of development needed to transform the social and economic fabric of the continent, according to Minister of Mineral Resources Mosebenzi Zwane, pictured.

The role of geological surveys to ensure enhanced development and availability of relevant information was key for the fulfilment of Agenda 2063 and the Africa Mining Vision, he said.

Zwane said geology was a pathfinder for attaining the ideals of a developmental state as it empowers decision-makers to negotiate better legal contracts that localise value in-country.

“The prognosis of generic underdevelopment in Africa correlates with a paucity of geoscience knowledge compared to developed regions. It is common knowledge that notwithstanding the vast mineral resources on the continent, it remains grossly undermapped with limited knowledge of its true potential.

“This paucity explains the slow pace of socioeconomic development on the continent and further qualifies why the continent suffers from gross exploitation by major multinational companies operating on the continent through such schemes as base erosion and profit shifting.”

Zwane was speaking at the 10th AGM of the Organisation of African Geological Surveys (OAGS) in Gaborone, Botswana. SA was voted as permanent secretariat of the OAGS and will register the organisation as a juristic person in the country.

Zwane said African institutions must begin to shift from the high levels of international dependence that dictate their pace and drive for complete independence. – ANA