Developments in Namibia and elsewhere are not as extreme examples of resource nationalism as seen elsewhere, but they are still interventionist.A new type of resource nationalism, this time characterised by softer methods of extracting benefits for the state such as through export controls, is sweeping across sub-Saharan Africa.
It is taking root in somewhat unexpected places, including Namibia, which has long been upheld as a stable and attractive jurisdiction for mining investment. But earlier this month, markets were stirred when that country's Mines and Energy Minister, Tom Alweendo, reportedly told a parliamentary workshop that his department is advocating for state ownership in the country's natural mineral wealth and seeking a minimum equity percentage in mining companies and petroleum production.Get 14 days free to read all our investigative and in-depth journalism. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month.