Africa’s natural resource sector, from mining operations in Ghana to oil fields in Nigeria, is one of the continent’s vital economic engines. While the potential value in these resources is clear, they often come along with significant security risks. Many governments lack the capacity to provide adequate protection for these high-value sectors and so private security and risk management companies are increasingly called upon to bridge this gap, offering bespoke services from logistical support to intelligence gathering. However, while private security and intelligence services can play a role in protecting these assets and ensuring the continuity of operations, they are also well placed to play a key role in building trust with local communities.
With all the valuable resources around, trust is often the commodity in shortest supply. Firms who employ local intelligence networks to understand the socio-political dynamics at play are not only more effective, but they provide a way to build trust with the local community through meaningful employment – integrating local workers into security teams and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the protection of any business operations.
In 2022 alone, Ghana exported nearly 4 million ounces of gold, making it one of the largest gold miners on the continent. The size of the resources available also attracts illegal mining activities, known locally as “galamsey”, which leads to damage to the country’s forests, farmland and water system. Engaging the local community to identify and communicate illegal mining activity provides a way to build trust and protect locals’ interests.
The Niger delta has thousands of miles of oil pipelines, vandalism to which runs into the millions of dollars each year. Alongside technology solutions, the employment of the local community in surveillance is a key way to build back trust and engage the community in protecting the environment, which suffers majorly from the contamination of spilt oil.
In the past, the focus purely on armed force solutions only exacerbates problems. The conflict surrounding the LNG project in Mozambique’s Capo Delgado region is an all too clear reminder of the human cost. Today, the focus is on building trust, offering protection that respects human rights, and ensuring that security strategies align with broader development goals for the region. Private security firms with deep local ties can provide more than just physical security; they can also offer valuable intelligence on the socio-political dynamics in a way that builds back trust with the local community.
Source: Alma Risk
