Unlocking Eastern Africa’s Mineral Wealth for Security, Economic Transformation, and Strategic Autonomy

Executive Summary

Eastern Africa’s mineral wealth can support industrialisation, employment and economic transformation. Nonetheless, this will depend on how effectively governments govern and negotiate the sector. Stronger negotiating capacity can help states secure local value addition, technology transfer, and skills development from strategic mineral partnerships. At the same time, digital traceability, interoperable government systems and stronger financial intelligence can help curb illegal mining, illicit mineral flows and resource-related insecurity. The region also needs to move beyond exporting raw minerals by developing processing, manufacturing and supplier industries that create opportunities for young people and local enterprises. Achieving these outcomes requires harmonised laws, capable
institutions, transparent resource management and meaningful community participation. Regional and continental frameworks, including the East African Community Mining Bill, Africa Mining Vision, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and Africa Green Minerals Strategy, provide a basis for stronger governance and sustainable mineral-led development.