As global demand for transition minerals increases, African nations like Burkina Faso, Ghana, Morocco, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are poised to benefit significantly. The key to realizing these benefits lies in developing a sustainable mining sector that promotes equitable growth. To this end, the World Bank-led African Mining Legislation Atlas (AMLA) initiative is aiding countries across Africa in building local capacity and establishing robust legislative frameworks for their mining industries.
The AMLA Workshop was held from December 1-9, 2024, at the University of Pretoria. This event marked the project's 10th anniversary and reinforced its mission while celebrating its achievements. Since its inception in 2014, over 280 young lawyers from all regions of Africa have been trained through AMLA workshops. The latest workshop hosted 100 participants from various countries and universities, including law students, program alumni, representatives from academic institutions, law firms, and mining companies.
"Capacity building is an essential piece of the World Bank’s operations in Africa," said Satu Kahkonen, World Bank Country Director for South Africa. She highlighted how initiatives like AMLA empower stakeholders to promote transparency and good governance amid increasing global demands for transition minerals.
Professor Francis Petersen expressed pride in hosting the milestone event: "The University is honored to host the 10th anniversary of the African Mining Legislation Atlas Workshop."
Launched by the World Bank with partners such as the African Legal Support Facility and several African law faculties, AMLA addresses needs for transparency and stable legislative frameworks in Africa's mining sector. Boubacar Bocoum explained that "AMLA itself is a collaboration within the World Bank Group between the Legal Department and the Extractives Unit."
AMLA comprises three core components: a free online platform with access to mining codes; knowledge products like guiding templates for drafting laws; and annual workshops training law students.
The leadership of AMLA will transition to LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation in 2025. Teresa Jennings stated her commitment to continue fostering future leaders: "[This program is a] relay race... we are going to take up that baton and do it well."
Kirsten Propst commended this partnership: "This new partnership with LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation... is amazing." She emphasized AMLA's alignment with strategic goals focusing on knowledge generation and capacity-building.