From apathy to action: Africa’s role in deep seabed mining

Africa’s will to pursue deep seabed mining has been uncertain, but interest in the subject is growing.

When the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea was adopted, Africa played an active role in developing the deep seabed mining regime. The continent should now play an equally active role in steering future debates on the subject. African countries must implement a clear action plan to transform the ideas presented in African blue economy instruments into action.

About the author

Professor Edwin Egede is a Professor of international law and international relations at the Cardiff School of Law & Politics, Cardiff University, Wales. He is also Adjunct Professor in the Department of Public Law at Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He dedicates this report to his very good friend, Prince Emmanuel, for his invaluable contribution.