MEDIA ADVISORY/ 32nd AU SUMMIT
High-Level Side Event on Corruption and the Illicit Exploitation and Trade of Africa’s Natural Resources; the case of Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife

INVITATION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

WHAT: African Union (AU) to hold the High-Level Side Event on Corruption and the Illicit Exploitation and Trade of Africa’s Natural Resources; the case of Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife at the margins of the 32nd Ordinary Session of the AU Summit

DATE: Friday, 8th February 2019

TIME: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

WHERE: Small Conference Room 3; African Union Commission Conference Centre, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: In line with the African Union efforts to ’Win the Fight Against Corruption’ and ensure the sustainable development and prosperity of the continent, the African Union Commission is hosting a High-Level Side Event on Corruption and the Illicit Exploitation and Trade of Africa’s Natural Resources; the case of Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife.
The event aims to raise awareness, and showcase on-going efforts to end corruption and the illicit exploitation in the above mentioned sectors. Nowhere is corruption more pervasive, transcontinental, systemic, ruthless and done on an industrial scale than in the natural resources sector which includes forests, fisheries, wildlife, oil, gas and minerals. The negative economic impact of illicit trading in Africa’s natural resources is not only about the direct revenue losses but also the indirect loss in opportunities from the entire economy through a multiplier effect. According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), the wider economic impact of illicit trading in natural resources is estimated at US$120 billion per annum, which is 5% of Africa’s GDP. An estimated 24 million jobs are lost, which is about 6% of overall employment in Africa. By curbing illicit activities in the natural resource sector, Africa could create 25 million more jobs annually. AfDB estimates the loss in tax revenue is at US$3.6 billion.
The High-Level Side event is organized by the African Union Commission in collaboration with partners.
OBJECTIVES:
• To bring to the attention of Africa’s political leadership the scale, magnitude and impact of the illicit trade in Africa’s natural resources in particular, forests, fisheries and wildlife resources;

• Highlight the socio-economic and environmental impact as well as security and stability implications of the continent if serious and concerted actions are not taken to address the illegal natural resources trade;

• To promote sustainable utilization of the continent’s natural resources;

• To encourage collaboration among African governments and other stakeholders to improve efforts to tackle illegal exploitation of the continent’s natural resources;

• Highlight the cost of inaction in terms of revenue, livelihoods, jobs, security and conflicts rising out of illegal trade in natural resources.

WHO: Heads of State and Government; Ministers, Representatives from Regional and International Institutions working on Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife and Addis-based missions, bilateral and multi-lateral partners.

Journalists are invited to cover the event on February 8, from 10 a.m. at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

JOURNALISTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO OBSERVE TIME

Media Contact:
Ms. Carol Jilombo| CAADP Communications Officer | African Union Commission | E-mail: Jilomboc@africa-union.org|

For further information:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Website: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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