New petrostates in Africa. The Case of Namibia (2012-2013)

The main purpose of the research is to answer the question if Namibia as a second generation petro-state can avoid oil resource curse phenomenon. Research hypothesis states that African countries where oil has been discovered in recent years operate in different international arena and with dissimilar domestic factors compared to countries that after decolonisation were based on monoculture economy. Consequently, the discovery of oil resources in certain countries of Sub-Saharan Africa does not entail occurrence of oil resource curse phenomenon.

The research is conducted by specialists in economy and in political science, therefore an interdisciplinary character is observed. As a result, methodology that underlies this research is specific to both fields of study. Research approach involves inductive model of analysis. Methods employed to collect data are as follows: literature analysis, historical analysis, macroeconomic analysis, statistical analysis, comparative analysis, observation and interviews with active participants in the process of creation of legal framework and oil revenues management in Namibia – in general with Namibian politicians, representatives of non-governmental organisations and business.

The advancement of academic discourse concerning the influence of mineral resources on African countries development would be the primary result of the research. Consequently, better conceptualisation of effects of natural resources on economy and political area would be achieved. The outcome of the research, that is confirmation or disconfirmation of the hypothesis, would constitute guidelines for African governments, non-governmental organisations and representatives of oil companies on activities that should be undertaken to avoid or reduce resource curse phenomenon.