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ALSF Insights
Geological and Geophysical Data Acquisition in Africa in the Oil and Gas Sector 1
Africa’s exceptional geological diversity makes it a major reservoir of strategic natural resources, valued at an estimated $6.5 trillion. Addressing governance challenges for geological and geophysical data in the oil and gas sector, this article examines the legal and institutional frameworks governing their acquisition in Africa. It analyses the conditions for granting reconnaissance permits, local content oversight mechanisms, and key clauses in seismic data contracts. The article offers recommendations to strengthen African States’ sovereignty, optimize contractual frameworks, and maximize the socio-economic benefits of natural resource exploitation.
Geological and Geophysical Data Acquisition in Africa in the Oil and Gas Sector: Strategic Challenges and Development Outlooks
Africa’s exceptional geological diversity makes it a major reservoir of strategic natural resources, valued at an estimated $6.5 trillion. Addressing governance challenges for geological and geophysical data in the oil and gas sector, this article examines the legal and institutional frameworks governing their acquisition in Africa. It analyses the conditions for granting reconnaissance permits, local content oversight mechanisms, and key clauses in seismic data contracts. The article offers recommendations to strengthen African States’ sovereignty, optimize contractual frameworks, and maximize the socio-economic benefits of natural resource exploitation.
The ALSF unpacking sovereign finance: the role of credit rating agencies in Africa
By Nicole Kearse and Kadiata Kane, The African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) 1) Introduction Credit rating agencies (CRAs) are pivotal in assessing the creditworthiness of countries, companies, and securities, shaping investment choices, bond and loan interest rates, and ultimately the stability of the international financial system . These entities provide an opinion on the likelihood of a borrower meeting its debt repayment obligations that investors then consider when making investment decisions. A good credit rating facilitates access to international capital markets, can positively influence the terms of financial transactions, and is therefore essential for sustainable and affordable sovereign financing on a global scale