The United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) is one of the 14 research and training institutes of the United Nations University (UNU). UNU-INRA bridges the gap between science and natural resources management policies in Africa. UNU-INRA’s mandate is to contribute to the sustainable development of Africa’s natural resources in a way that maintains the quality of the natural environment and transforms lives. We harness African talent and empower African researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers with knowledge to sustainably manage the continent’s natural resources.
We harness African talent and empower African researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers with knowledge to sustainably manage the continent’s natural resources. Our head office in Ghana and our network of five operating units in Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Namibia and Zambia give us a strong presence across Africa.
UNU-INRA addresses Africa’s developmental challenges using a three-pronged approach:
- Generating policy-relevant scientific knowledge;
- Creating convening spaces for Africa-focused policy dialogue; and
- Enhancing the natural resource management capacities of state and non-state actors through an effective capacity-building programme.
The institute’s programme areas focus on four priority focus areas: green economy and energy transitions, aquaculture and blue economy, mineral resource governance, and agriculture, food security and land. These priorities are all interconnected and fundamental to our vision for the future of Africa: progress across each will contribute to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Vision
To realise the transformational potential of Africa’s natural resources for an inclusive and sustainable future.
Mission
To amplify African perspectives, promote made-in-Africa solutions and cultivate African natural resource management capacity.
