Resource-based African Development Strategy - Partnership to Cut ...

RADSAfrica’s Natural Resources• Agriculture– Contributes 40% of African GDP % provides livelihood for 60% ofpopulation, but largest user of scarce water– Enormous unrealised potential (low yields & only x% undercultivation)– But, agri-commodities exported without processing(beneficiation)i i • Minerals– World’s top producer of numerous mineral commodities;– Has world’s greatest resources of many more;– Africa lacks systematic geo-survey: could be > resources;– But exported as ores, concs, metals: Need > beneficiation.• Energy– Significant fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal)– Large biomass and bio-fuels potential (ethanol, bio-diesel)– Massive hydro-electric potential (Inga 45GW, Congo River200GW)• Forestry– 22% of African land is forested (650m hectares= 17% of worldtotal);– Deforestation: Africa’s net change highest globally = -0.78% p.a;– Huge silviculture potential, but exported as logs/chips: need >bene.• Fishing– Decline in catch rate (international poaching! over-harvesting);– 68% of marine protected areas under threat;Resource-based – Aquaculture/mariculture African Development Strategy still nascent (large potential)Tourism