A new international centre focused on resolving extractive industry conflict has launched in Cape Town, linking peacebuilding expertise with business, investment and mining sector realities.
The Global Centre for Peacebuilding and Business (GCPB) was formally inaugurated this week, responding to growing geopolitical volatility and rising tensions linked to mineral extraction and natural resource development.
Headquartered in Cape Town, the Centre aims to bridge peacebuilding practices with commercial decision-making across mining and natural resource industries. Its creation follows mounting concern that conflict around extraction is destabilising communities, undermining investor confidence and weakening development pathways.
The Centre’s establishment stems directly from recommendations by the Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030, an investor-led initiative representing US$18 trillion in assets under management and chaired by the Church of England Pensions Board. The Commission called for a long-term framework to support responsible mining and reduce conflict risks across global supply chains.
The launch was marked by a service at St George’s Cathedral led by Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town and Primate of Southern Africa, Dr Thabo Makgoba, attended by faith leaders and representatives from conflict-affected regions.
In his address, Archbishop Makgoba said: “It is not too late to remedy our past shortfalls… Faith communities and the mining industry have begun to work together to ensure that the industry develops in ways that are in harmony with new patterns of human thought and behaviours, so that mining is seen as a welcome and valued partner in society… Through prayer, advocacy, dialogue and innovative finance, we can rehabilitate old mine landscapes, prevent new harms, and build local infrastructures for peace.”
The Centre draws inspiration from the peacebuilding philosophy of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, whose words underpin its approach: “If you want peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”
James Megoran, Director of Peacebuilding for GCPB, emphasised the growing importance of linking peacebuilding with economic activity.
“Peacebuilding and business have rarely been linked systematically. In an era where extractives-related conflict is increasing, integrating peacebuilding with business practice is no longer optional, it’s essential,” he said.
Adam Matthews, Co-Chair of the GCPB Board and Chief Responsible Investment Officer for the Church of England Pensions Board, said the Centre will help investors respond more constructively to conflict.
“Responsible mining is a driver of economic growth and human flourishing. Illicit or irresponsible mining can be a driver, sustainer or enabler of conflict. When conflicts arise, many investors struggle to respond constructively, but they could play a very different role. The Global Centre will provide a platform for investors and corporate leaders to be directly informed by those impacted by conflict.”
Barend Petersen, Co-Chair of the GCPB Board, added: “The Global Centre for Peacebuilding and Business will provide expertise and capacity to secure peace in fragile contexts linked to resource demand and the operation of extractive industries.”
Conflict linked to extractives is intensifying globally, driven by competition over land and water, unequal distribution of benefits, environmental pressures and governance challenges. These tensions affect community stability, workforce safety, investment certainty and long-term development.
The Centre builds on decades of peacebuilding experience, including pilot programmes in northern Mozambique and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where integrated approaches to conflict resolution have already been tested.
While initially focused on Africa, the Global Centre intends to operate internationally, supporting dialogue between companies, investors, governments and communities.
Based in Cape Town and supported by global partners, the Centre aims to promote community stability, reduce operational risk for companies and support safer, more predictable investment environments while advancing peace and sustainable development.