Welcome to the Extractive Industry Law in Africa (EILA) Unit. Africa is a continent rich in natural resources, home to vast reserves of minerals, oil, and gas that have the potential to drive sustainable economic growth, foster industrialisation, and improve livelihoods. From the diamond fields of Botswana to the oil reserves in Nigeria, from the copper belts of Zambia to the platinum mines in South Africa, our continent is undeniably endowed with wealth beneath its soil. One would expect such abundant resources to translate into prosperity for all.

Yet, paradoxically, Africa continues to grapple with persistent poverty, economic inequality, conflicts, and environmental degradation. Many resource-rich countries on the continent struggle with the "resource curse", a phenomenon where wealth in natural resources does not equate to broad-based development but instead fuels corruption, weak governance, social unrest, and environmental harm. The mismanagement of extractive resources has led to revenue leakages, illicit financial flows, human rights violations, and community displacement. Furthermore, issues such as climate change, energy transition pressures, and the global push for decarbonisation introduce additional complexities to resource governance.

In response to these challenges, robust legal and regulatory frameworks are essential in ensuring that extractive resources contribute to sustainable development. Effective governance requires not only strong legal instruments but also multidisciplinary expertise—combining law, policy, economics, engineering, and environmental science. A legal framework alone is insufficient if policymakers, industry leaders, and legal practitioners do not fully comprehend the broader technical, economic, and social dimensions of extractive industries.

The EILA Unit recognises the necessity for an integrated strategy. Our academic and professional training programs are designed to provide legal practitioners, lawmakers, business leaders, and regulatory authorities with the skills required to negotiate the complexity of the extractive sector. Our curriculum extends beyond traditional legal principles to include resource economics, environmental management, engineering fundamentals, and governance models that promote equitable and sustainable resource exploitation.

By fostering collaboration between legal experts, economists, engineers, and policymakers, we strive to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and practical implementation, ensuring that Africa’s natural wealth translates into real benefits for its people.

We invite you to explore our programmes, engage with our experts, and become part of a growing network of professionals committed to transforming extractive resource governance in Africa.

Together, we can reshape the future of Africa’s extractive industries for the benefit of present and future generations.

Dr Tiisetso John Rantlo

Director, Extractive Industry Law in Africa (EILA) Unit