Indaba calls for just energy transition in Africa, decries political instability and environmental challenges

Batanai Mutasa

Convened parallel to the Mining Indaba where delegates from across Africa gathered in Cape Town to talk about investment opportunities in the industry, the Alternative Mining Indaba (AMI) emphasized the urgent need for African governments to develop transparent and inclusive governance structures that protect citizens’ rights and prevent resource exploitation that fuels conflicts and inequalities.

The need for the topical investment opportunities at the Mining Indaba to be taken up responsibly was emphasized from the first day of the alternative convening which opened with a candle lit moment of silence in remembrance of 87 informal miners who perished in the tunnels of an abandoned Stilfontein mine in the Northwest province of South Africa.

Thus, four days of deliberations and planning maintained calls for responsible mining before, during and after resource extraction, constantly citing the Stilfontein disaster as an example of how not to close a mine as infrastructure was left unattended and accessible to illegal miners. With heightened extraction of minerals already being experienced in Africa to enable a transition to greener energy globally, the Alternative Mining Indaba (AMI) sounded the alarm of increased irresponsible investments and asked the critical question: Energy Transition for Who?  

By asking such pertinent questions, the Alternative Mining Indaba – which has developed into a leading Pan-African platform addressing challenges faced by communities impacted by extractive industries – drew over 350 participants centered on amplifying marginalized voices. This year’s forum highlighted urgent issues caused by mining activities, empowering affected communities to advocate for transparency, accountability, and sustainable practices in the sector.

“Unlike traditional mining forums that often prioritize corporate interests, AMI has evolved over the past 15 years into a transformative dialogue and advocacy platform. It brings together diverse stakeholders, including interfaith groups, labor movements, and academic institutions, to address social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by mining-affected populations across Africa. The platform operates through a multi-tiered approach, with in country National, Provincial, District, and Ward Alternative Mining Indabas aimed at fostering grassroots engagement and raising critical policy issues,” explained AMI Vice President and Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association extractive industries programme lead, Joyce Machiri.

Conversations were also cognizant of the political context across Africa, noting that minerals can both catalyze and exacerbate political instability through economic distortion, conflict incentives, corruption, and weak governance. However, the Alternative Mining Indaba stressed that the outcome depends on institutional strength and policy choices, highlighting that the “resource curse” is not inevitable but contingent on management and accountability.

In this regard, key concerns were raised which highlighted the deep connections between political instability and resource control across the continent. Notable discussions included Mozambique’s election turmoil where political unrest has led to concerns over governance and fair resource management in a nation rich in gas and minerals, potentially opening doors for exploitation by foreign entities at the expense of local communities.

Dispute in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was also topical as the ongoing war exacerbates resource-driven conflicts, particularly involving cobalt, as armed groups continue to benefit from illegal mining activities. This situation raises alarms about multinational corporations profiting from Africa’s resources without accountability. Similar concerns were raised about the political crisis in Senegal where recent government actions restricting civic freedoms were said to be posing questions about accountability and governance in the extractives sector, affecting citizen participation in decision-making processes.

Thus, participants at AMI 2025 emphasized the urgent need for African governments to develop transparent and inclusive governance structures that protect citizens’ rights and prevent resource exploitation that fuels conflicts and inequalities. Additionally, the discussions around economic and environmental justice underscored the necessity of ensuring that the energy transition does not repeat historical injustices.

Key points included:

• The exclusion of marginalized groups, such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities, from vital decision-making processes in the extractives sector.
• The need for structural reforms to support artisanal and small-scale mining, which is often deemed informal but represents a critical livelihood for many.
• A call for African nations to reclaim sovereignty over resource governance, ensuring Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in resource-related decisions.
• The prioritization of environmental sustainability in mining practices, particularly concerning transition minerals vital for renewable energy technologies.

The AMI 2025 concluded with strong calls to action directed at both African governments and businesses.

For governments, the emphasis was on the need for:

• Enforcement of justice-centered policies in the mining and energy sectors.
• Mechanisms for meaningful climate financing that support local communities.
• Transparent governance frameworks that ensure local participation in resource management.

Businesses and investors were urged to adopt ethical practices by committing to fair benefit-sharing, conducting inclusive consultations, and investing in sustainable community programs that foster resilience beyond mining.

As the AMI continues to champion the voices of communities affected by the extractive industries, the commitment to a fair and inclusive energy transition remains a critical focus, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to address the complex challenges facing Africa’s mining sector.