Salalah Anchors Oman in Africa’s Mineral Chain
Oman’s ties with India and China position it at the heart of Africa’s mineral supply chain.
On 28 August, the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and Burkina Faso signed several agreements during the visit of Abdulsalam bin Mohammed al Murshidi, Chairman of OIA, to Ouagadougou. The agreements, described as landmark, cover gold mining, agriculture, and a Comprehensive Investment Partnership. This development marks a significant step for Salalah in its African ventures, amidst a broader Gulf push for the continent’s natural resources. It appears that as Abu Dhabi’s influence wanes across Africa, other Gulf states are stepping in, driven by strategic rivalry. As Qatar capitalises on a risk-averse, mediation-led foreign policy, Oman seems to be joining Gulf initiatives while retaining its ideologically driven approach to partnerships.
