Welcome to this edition of The Weekly, a publication dedicated to advancing critical debate on natural resource governance, climate justice, and the political economy shaping Africa’s future.
This edition arrives at a defining moment. As global competition for critical minerals accelerates, Africa once again finds itself at the centre of competing geopolitical, economic and technological interests. The transition to renewable energy, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, and growing geopolitical rivalries are creating unprecedented demand for the continent’s mineral wealth. Yet the central question remains unchanged: who ultimately benefits from Africa’s resources?
Across these pages, we explore this question from multiple perspectives. We examine how the global energy transition is reshaping mineral extraction, interrogate the political economy of carbon markets, revisit alternative visions of development through the concept of delinking, and analyse Zimbabwe’s progress towards a modern mining cadastre. Together, these stories reveal that governance reforms, technological innovation and investment alone are insufficient unless they are accompanied by transparency, accountability and meaningful community participation.
This edition also reflects on the outcomes of the Annual National People’s Conference on Critical Minerals and Just Mineral Transition, where government representatives, civil society organisations, researchers, labour unions, communities and development partners reaffirmed that a truly just transition must place people, not profits, at its centre. Energy justice cannot be measured solely by megawatts generated or minerals exported, but by whether communities gain secure livelihoods, access to affordable energy, environmental protection and a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their futures.
Beyond policy and analysis, we recognise the power of storytelling and creative expression. Our Poetry Corner reminds us that statistics alone cannot capture the lived realities of communities situated alongside mines, power stations and conservation landscapes. Art continues to give voice to experiences that are too often excluded from official narratives, challenging silence and inspiring collective action.
As always, our purpose is not merely to inform but to stimulate dialogue. We hope this edition encourages policymakers, practitioners, researchers and citizens alike to think critically about the choices being made in the name of development and to ask whether Africa’s immense natural wealth can finally become a foundation for justice, equity and shared prosperity.
Thank you for reading and for joining us in shaping conversations that place people, rights and sustainability at the heart of resource governance.
The Editorial Team