In this episode of Blindspot Africa, Charles Gyamfi Ofori speaks with Deprose Muchena, Director for Resources Futures at Open Society Foundations, about the opportunities and blind spots shaping Africa’s critical minerals and resource governance agenda.

The conversation explores why Africa’s mineral wealth must be viewed not only as a source of raw materials for the global energy transition, but as a foundation for the continent’s own economic transformation. Deprose highlights the importance of geological data, scientific capacity, value addition, local content policies, and stronger linkages between mining and the broader economy.

The episode also examines the need to place communities, women, youth, human rights, and environmental stewardship at the center of Africa’s resource future. From artisanal and small-scale mining to regional industrial policy and South-South cooperation, the discussion offers a timely reflection on how Africa can negotiate greater value from its resources while reducing inequality and energy poverty.

Key themes include:

• Critical minerals and Africa’s development agenda
• Geological data, science, and technological capacity
• Value addition and mineral beneficiation
• Local content and community participation
• Human rights and environmental stewardship
• Energy poverty and inclusive industrialization
• Regional cooperation and South-South solidarity

A thought-provoking discussion on what it will take for Africa to move beyond extraction and build a resource future that delivers economic sovereignty, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.