African governments should prepare and educate their communities before major investment projects launch, enabling citizens to participate in and benefit from the economic opportunities they create, according to officials gathered at African Energy Week in South Africa. Uganda's Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Monica Masanza, made the call during a panel discussion on local content, emphasising the need to build community capacity before projects are implemented.
Dr Masanza said communities must understand investment projects and their potential opportunities to ensure they could take part in the economic benefits generated. She also stressed the importance of distinguishing between investors and aid providers, and promoting open discussions on industrial value chains to expand trade and investment across the continent.
Equatorial Guinea's Deputy Minister responsible for local content, Domingo Mba Esono, added that a strong African economy should be built through domestic private companies. The discussion brought together participants from Uganda, Namibia, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Angola and Ivory Coast.