Nairobi, April 29 -- Although Africa is rich in natural resources, including minerals, its people have never gained the full benefit since before and after independence.

This resource curse paradox is a well-documented phenomenon where countries with abundant natural resources experience lower economic growth. Indeed, Africa holds nearly 30 per cent of the world's mineral reserves, 12 per cent of its oil, and eight per cent of natural gas, yet this wealth has failed to translate into widespread prosperity.

Colonial powers structured African economies to export raw materials such as minerals, oil, and cash crops to Europe, and not to build local industrial capacity. But even after independence, African countries continued exporting raw r...