Amit's Blog

Guyana’s Oil Bonanza: A Tale of Triumph, Turmoil, and Troubling Terms Guyana’s 2015 oil discovery transformed it from South America’s poorest nation into the world’s fastest-growing economy, with GDP soaring 62.3% in 2022 and per capita income projected to hit developed world levels by 2030. Yet, its 2016 contract with ExxonMobil—featuring a paltry 2% royalty and generous cost recovery—has sparked outrage for shortchanging citizens. Inexperience, ethnic strife, and Venezuelan threats drove Guyana into a desperate deal, while geopolitical chess, with US and Chinese players, loomed large. The Natural Resource Fund and Low Carbon Strategy aim to secure the future, but corruption, inequality, and environmental risks threaten progress. Guyana dreams of Norway’s oil success but grapples with weak institutions and social divides. As Essequibo tensions simmer, Guyana’s saga—marked by dazzling wealth and daunting challenges—unfolds, a cautionary tale of a nation racing to harness black gold ...

Congo’s Mineral Mayhem: A Geopolitical Rollercoaster in the Heart of Africa The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a geopolitical powder keg, its vast mineral wealth—cobalt, copper, lithium, and more—fueling global competition and local chaos. As the world races for green energy dominance, the DRC’s resources make it a battleground for the U.S., China, Europe, and Russia, each vying for influence through investments, diplomacy, and, occasionally, shady arms deals. Neighboring countries like Rwanda stir the pot, while the DRC struggles to capture value amid corruption and conflict. Over the past 15 years, the DRC has seen economic growth but persistent violence, with over 120 armed groups in the east. By 2030, the DRC could leverage its minerals for prosperity if governance improves, but systemic hurdles loom large. This analysis dives into the stakes, foreign roles, Congo’s perspective, and the top 10 global players, to unravel this mineral-fueled madness. Introduction: Welcome ...