Natural Resources and Trade Flows in the Great Lakes Region

Project: Natural Resources and Trade Flows in the Great Lakes Region
Duration: December 1, 2006 – November 30, 2007
Donors: UK Department for International Development
United States Agency for International Development

Through the Natural Resource and Trade Flows Project in the Great Lakes Region (DRC, Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda) Pact and its partners aim ed to provide an in-depth, objective and comprehensive analysis of minerals and other natural resource trade flows in the Great Lakes Region. Research identified trends, opportunities and experiences that have been successful in creating an environment where trade can flourish and corruption can be decreased.

The project included a detailed literature review and field analysis of the supply chain from mine or natural source to final importer. Ultimately, work led to: 

• Tools and policies to regularize “illegal” or “informal” export of minerals from DRC and control and manage the marketing of minerals from source to final destination. For example policies acting on the trade (e.g., using a fair trade approach) or support to better governance in the region. 
• Strengthened regional trade and other economic organizations, supporting government and systems reform of trade in minerals in the DRC and strengthening cooperative trade management with neighbouring countries and throughout the region.

Click here for a PDF version of Pact's final report.

Click here for a PDF version of the synthesis report of all partners.