R esources have often been at the center of conflict between nations across the world whether they are natural resources such as minerals, lakes or geographical endowments such as ports or access to the sea. In fact, much of Africa’s post independence conflicts were in one way or the other rested on the ownership or the equitable use of these resources- the situation in South Sudan, the Great Lakes region, the Nile basin issue have all been about equitable use of common resources. Initially, the management and use of such resources was managed by the countries that owned these resources and would often be used as leverages for political or economic gains often raising tensions among nations. With the advent of greater regional as well as continental cohesion, a new era of shared ownership coupled with concerns for sustainable use occurred resulting in initiatives and commissions. This is a move that requires merit and support.

With regard to the efficient management of existing natural resources, it is imperative not only for a particular generation but for generations to understand that exploiting our natural resources should not come with the price of destroying our environment. A balance should be reached here whereby we act responsibly as well as prudently. Because as we have seen, surplus production today cannot guarantee continued surplus for the future as population increases, obviously the pressure on resources will increase. It is with this concern that nations as well as multinationals have opted for conservation initiatives as well as management of natural endowments. Africa, though rich in natural resources, is still plagued by poverty, unemployment as well as continued environmental degradation brought about by imprudent use of existing resources. As a result, precious forests, rainforests and ecosystems are destroyed to make room for more prospects. There should be a growing need to make sure that the exploitation of our mineral resources goes in a manner that current demands are met making sure that future generations do not suffer as well.

Even when endowed with rich resources, Africa does not get the right prices for their production. This also occurs with regard to agricultural produce where often surplus in production would not necessarily mean greater revenues. The fact that most African nations produce similar products often in unprocessed form makes the selling price set at the very minimum. A sort of regional or commodity centered organization needs to come into force where sellers or producers can demand their just deserves rather than opting to outdo the competition which will ultimately lead to all parties losing out. The Organization of Oil Producing countries’ (OPEC) model should be looked into as a benchmark for such schemes. Members of OPEC get to set prices as well as output based on agreed quotas. Nations in the same region which produce similar cash crops should also look into collaborative efforts whereby one nation could engage in production, another in processing and maybe another in research and marketing the commodity.

Since the late 1990s, Africa and the world had been campaigning for more trade seeking, a paradigm change in relation to dropping the habit of soliciting aid dollars for the upkeep of government as well as nation. So far, the third world particularly in Africa, emphasis had been on the issues of subsidies made on agricultural commodities in the West, trade restrictions and preferable trade agreements that often go against the rules of International trade. Africa seems to only demand concessions but seems to not look into what it can do. concerted efforts such as what was experienced during the World Trade Organization talks need to be looked into, be built on an African platform; the key term here being working together rather than against each other.

With regard to a shared vision in Africa, much of it remains in documents and agreements signed amongst nations and one has to assume that the reason lies in the fact that we do not see the importance of this agenda. Cynicism coupled with mistrust seems to be other factors here where often historical rivalries overshadow regional cohesion. These are often bottlenecks that do more damage to worthy causes and initiatives. we all need to collectively refine, enhance and learn how to articulate our shared vision for development as well as how to embark on our strategies.