Executive summary

Africa is hugely endowed with diverse natural resources, including land and water for agriculture, forests for wood and non-wood forest products, and minerals, oil and gas for mining. For decades the direct exploitation and use of these natural resources have dominated the continent’s economies and the livelihoods of most of its population—and, to a lesser extent, its public domestic revenues. But Africa’s overriding strategy of exporting commodities in their raw, non-valued-added form has failed to produce sustainable inclusive growth, improve people’s wellbeing or diversify and transform its economies.

Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Reduced Inequalities