This
project is a joint initiative of UNCTAD
and UNECA and aims at enhancing capacity
building and policy networking for sustainable
resource-based development with a focus
on mineral economies in Africa.
The objective of the project
is to establish a comprehensive, well-organised
network with focus on Africa that could
provide a vehicle for the collection and
dissemination of information and enable
the cross-fertilisation of ideas across
the continent, across disciplines and across
the language divides. Such a network could
also:
-
Serve as a one-stop
shop for information linkages of the
existing networks;
-
Stimulate the development
of local networks and initiatives in
sub-regions where they do not yet exist
and strengthen already existing ones;
-
Promote capacity
building through training and policy
networking;
-
Work parallel to
and in support of the AMP and other
mineral-based initiatives in Africa;
-
Promote synergies
and avoid duplication of efforts and
costs;
-
Assist in establishing
and maintaining a database of mining-related
information specific to the African
region; and
-
Integrate relevant
actors and networks situated outside
of Africa.
The structure presently
envisaged for the Africa Mining Network
(AMN) comprises three components: a networking
facility, an information database, and other
services. The networking facility would
comprise a hub and a number of nodes and
would allow interaction between individuals
from institutions that have subscribed to
the system. The hub would be the central
collation and distribution point of the
network and would be domicilated within
an African institution, which is involved,
in mining-related activities.
A number of institutions
in Africa including SEAMIC have already
expressed interest in hosting the Network
server. The institution that will eventually
be appointed as the Host server would be
responsible for the day-to-day management
of the network and related secretarial functions
and activities.
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