African delegation come to ANU to study minerals and energy economics policy

Delegates from 16 African countries have converged on ANU to learn about ways to improve the economic and social development of their own nations in the energy and minerals sector.

The delegates, from countries including Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and Madagascar, form part of the Mineral and Energy Economics Program, which is a partnership with Pretoria University, ANU and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).  

They've spent the past two weeks at Pretoria University in South Africa and will spend the best part of the next four weeks going through coursework at the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy.

Pauline Nyamweda, who works for the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, is a taxation specialist. As Zimbabwe is the third largest miner of platinum in the world, she says it's important for her to learn about the ways that Australia's mining sector operates.

"When I initially got to know about the program, my main interest was on the taxation aspect and how I would be able to tax the energy sector as well as the mining sector in a more effective way with a main goal of increasing revenue generation within our organisation and within our Zimbabwean economy," she said.

The first two weeks focused on the economic value of energy, she said.

"Now we'll be looking at the mining aspects - the economics and taxation.

"I believe we're going to get better knowledge in understanding of how these things work and we'll be able to implement them even better," she said.

Cameroon delegate Bertrand Ngouo, who is the Executive Officer of Green Space, said the Mineral and Energy Economics Program is helping delegates learn about issues that their governments may not have considered.  

"Illiteracy in Cameroon is a gender-based issue effecting women and girls," he said.

"So my presence here will enable me to see how we can help communities to have access to modern types of energy so that they will no longer be having to collect firewood or coal, meaning they will now have time to focus on their education."

Alpha Mikaly, from Madagascar, said his job involved working with miners and traditional owners to ensure that the rights of both groups are protected.

"Beyond the technical issues, one of the big issues in Madagascar is the organisation issue. We don't really know how to implement a strong administration or coordination within bodies, government," he said.

"That's why I'm very interested in the areas of management and public policy."

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Margaret Harding welcomed the delegates to ANU.

"The goal of this program is to make sure that you take back home what you have learnt here and help you advance and make contributions back in your home countries," she said.

"It is our hope that by the end of your time here at ANU you will have a thorough understanding of relevant economic and financial models as well as critical issues and trends in the minerals and energy sector," she said.

Professor Harding said ANU is delighted to participate in the Australia Awards initiative.

The delegates, from countries including Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and Madagascar, form part of the Mineral and Energy Economics short course. This course is funded by Australia Awards - Africa, a flagship Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade African program, and delivered in partnership with the University of Pretoria and ANU.