AfDB director for the Eastern Africa Resource Centre (EARC), Gabriel Negatu, pointed out the timeliness of the information centre, saying the opportunity to use the sector to accelerate national development and promote economic growth requires careful planning at this critical stage.
According to government estimates, extractives currently contribute just 1% to Kenya's national income, and less than 2% of export earnings. This contribution is set to grow significantly, and current estimates suggest the sector may grow to 10% of the GDP.
"AfDB supports the Africa Mining Vision, which sets out how mining can be used to drive continental development. We believe that, as stakeholders, we has a special role to play in promoting knowledge-sharing in Kenya, given our proven track record as a trusted convener and facilitator of Africa's sustainable development agenda," Negatu said.
Housed by the AfDB, the information centre will be supported by the United Nations Development Programme and the governments of Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
