The Ethical Dilemma of Natural Resources in African Countries

This paper concentrated on the ethical dilemma of natural resource management in Africa. The paper draws on relevant literature on natural resources in Africa, ethical issues in natural resource management as well as the concept of ethical dilemma. The African continent is rich with natural resources which range from oil, natural gas, minerals, forest, water, arable land, and wildlife. However, not much benefit has been realized from Africa’s natural resources to the African people. The major issue that seems to be missing from the extant literature on African natural resources and development is the ethical dilemma concept. Ethical dilemma in the management of natural resources can have great negative impact on the management and use of natural resources. Ethical dilemma could lead to issues of bribery and corruption, corporate social responsibility, climate change, and sustainable development. It is therefore imperative for African countries to build ethical resilience in the management of natural resources to the benefit of the people.