The Role of African Extractive Industries in the Global Energy Transition: An Analysis of Barriers and Strategies

This article examines the role played by the African extractive industries in the global energy transition, contextualising these concerns against a continuum of disruption arising as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and emergent efforts to redress the crisis posed by anthropogenic climate change. If well managed, extractive resources could play a crucial role in advancing energy security and transition in the African continent in the face of these challenges. This article examines the current opportunities and challenges for cleaner and environmentally-responsible extractive investments in Africa in a low carbon world. Its analysis is informed by recognition of, and sensitivity towards, the extreme disruption to energy governance embodied by the twin concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current climate emergency.