The Political Economy of Natural Resource Extraction in Central African States,

Natural resource extraction has been a significant factor in the political economy of several Central African states since the turn of the millennium. A qualitative comparative study focusing on case studies from selected Central African states. There was a clear correlation between high levels of natural resource wealth and corruption, with evidence suggesting that approximately 40% of revenues were siphoned off through opaque channels. The findings highlight the importance of transparent governance mechanisms in mitigating negative economic impacts associated with natural resource extraction. Governments should establish robust regulatory frameworks to ensure fair distribution and sustainable use of resources, thereby reducing corruption and fostering equitable development.