SHIELDING AFRICA’S MINERALS: Experts Insist PAP Must Gain Oversight amid Global Gateway

MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – A major debate at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) this Friday saw policy experts issue a stark warning: Africa risks losing out on its vast mineral wealth if the EU’s multi-billion Euro Global Gateway strategy is not subjected to rigorous parliamentary oversight. The Global Gateway is the EU’s initiative aiming to mobilize €300 billion in investments worldwide. However, speakers argued that without stronger accountability, these funds could primarily benefit European interests.

Claude Kabemba of South African Research Watch argued that national parliaments and governments must hold public hearings to assess if EU projects truly benefit local communities. He made a critical plea for legislative empowerment: the Malabo Protocol must be ratified to give PAP full legislative powers. “Unlike PAP, EU has full legislative powers,” Kabemba noted, stressing that PAP needs teeth to play an effective oversight role.

His core concern is ensuring Africa’s minerals drive Africa’s prosperity, not Europe’s prosperity. Deprose Muchena of Open Society Research Watch echoed these fears, focusing on the surge for Africa’s critical minerals, which account for 30% of global endowments. He questioned the true destination of profits, stating: “Majority of EU companies benefiting EU yet polluting Africa’s environment.” Muchena highlighted the EU’s focus on minerals, gas, and green energy transition under the Gateway, but warned that the rush for minerals risks neglecting human rights. Both experts converged on a single point: the PAP must gain the power to engage in oversight of all institutional engagements to ensure Africa genuinely benefits from its resources, rather than serving as a mere source of raw materials.