Towards a fluid and multiscalar governance of extractive resources in Africa

Abstract

Political geographies of oil investigate extractive value chains with an emphasis on governance and scales, analysing the role that territories and especially spatial networks play in these dynamics. While underlining the limits and gaps of territorial governance, as it is nowadays theorized and used in the academic literature, extractive resources, particularly in developing contexts, call for fluid networks, and multiscalar governance; more flexible and adapted to changing contexts. This approach leads to networked justice, as a consequent adaptation of spatial justice to these specific situations. This article points out, for instance, the geopolitics of pipelines in Africa and its critical role in transforming the continent, despite its related challenges and conflicts. It advocates a better governance of extractive resources in Africa. Scholars have a role to play in this process, helping to analyse critical phenomena and sensitive dynamics, as well as provide sound policy recommendations.

Keywords: Extractive resources, sub-Saharan Africa, territorial governance, political geography, justice.