Exploitation of Africa's Environment for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: An Analysis Through Wangari Maathai's Ecological Framework

Amartey Laryea

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13

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Exploitation of Africa's Environment for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: An Analysis Through Wangari Maathai's Ecological Framework

Amartey Laryea^*

Published in American Journal of Environmental Protection (Volume 14, Issue 4)

Received: 18 July 2025 Accepted: 29 July 2025 Published: 13 August 2025

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Abstract

This study examines the environmental impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on Africa through the analytical lens of Wangari Maathai’s ecological framework and Ubuntu philosophy. Using a critical policy analysis methodology that combines historical reconstruction with comparative case study examination, this research investigates how the accelerating demand for critical minerals, particularly cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, essential to 4IR technologies is causing significant environmental degradation across multiple African nations. The research investigates how the accelerating demand for critical minerals essential to 4IR technologies, particularly cobalt for artificial intelligence and battery systems, is causing significant environmental degradation in Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through content analysis of extraction practices and their ecological consequences, the study reveals that Africa continues to bear disproportionate environmental costs while receiving minimal benefits from technological advancement, perpetuating historical patterns of resource exploitation. The findings demonstrate extensive deforestation, water pollution, and ecosystem disruption resulting from intensified mining operations driven by global technological demands. Drawing on Maathai’s vision of environmental sustainability as fundamental to genuine development and Ubuntu’s emphasis on interconnectedness, the research argues for Africa-centered mineral extraction policies that prioritize environmental preservation and community well-being. This work advances theoretical discourse by problematizing Western-centered notions of “sustainable development” and proposing an African-centered framework that recognizes sustainability as inseparable from communal harmony, intergenerational responsibility, and ecological reciprocity. The study calls for a paradigm shift from externally imposed development models toward frameworks emerging from African philosophical traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, and ecological relationships. It concludes that sustainable engagement with the 4IR requires policies rooted in African resource sovereignty, meaningful community participation, and intergenerational responsibility. Only through such culturally grounded approaches can African nations harness technological opportunities while protecting the ecological systems upon which all life depends, ensuring that the Fourth Industrial Revolution does not perpetuate the environmental sacrifice that has characterized previous industrial transformations in Africa.

Published in	American Journal of Environmental Protection (Volume 14, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13
Page(s)	145-157
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Fourth Industrial Revolution, Environmental Justice, Ubuntu Philosophy, Critical Minerals, Resource Extraction, African Ecological Framework, Sustainable Development

References

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Laryea, A. (2025). Exploitation of Africa's Environment for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: An Analysis Through Wangari Maathai's Ecological Framework. American Journal of Environmental Protection, 14(4), 145-157. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13

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Laryea, A. Exploitation of Africa's Environment for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: An Analysis Through Wangari Maathai's Ecological Framework. Am. J. Environ. Prot. 2025, 14(4), 145-157. doi: 10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13

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Laryea A. Exploitation of Africa's Environment for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: An Analysis Through Wangari Maathai's Ecological Framework. Am J Environ Prot. 2025;14(4):145-157. doi: 10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13,
  author = {Amartey Laryea},
  title = {Exploitation of Africa's Environment for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: An Analysis Through Wangari Maathai's Ecological Framework
},
  journal = {American Journal of Environmental Protection},
  volume = {14},
  number = {4},
  pages = {145-157},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajep.20251404.13},
  abstract = {This study examines the environmental impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on Africa through the analytical lens of Wangari Maathai’s ecological framework and Ubuntu philosophy. Using a critical policy analysis methodology that combines historical reconstruction with comparative case study examination, this research investigates how the accelerating demand for critical minerals, particularly cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, essential to 4IR technologies is causing significant environmental degradation across multiple African nations. The research investigates how the accelerating demand for critical minerals essential to 4IR technologies, particularly cobalt for artificial intelligence and battery systems, is causing significant environmental degradation in Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through content analysis of extraction practices and their ecological consequences, the study reveals that Africa continues to bear disproportionate environmental costs while receiving minimal benefits from technological advancement, perpetuating historical patterns of resource exploitation. The findings demonstrate extensive deforestation, water pollution, and ecosystem disruption resulting from intensified mining operations driven by global technological demands. Drawing on Maathai’s vision of environmental sustainability as fundamental to genuine development and Ubuntu’s emphasis on interconnectedness, the research argues for Africa-centered mineral extraction policies that prioritize environmental preservation and community well-being. This work advances theoretical discourse by problematizing Western-centered notions of “sustainable development” and proposing an African-centered framework that recognizes sustainability as inseparable from communal harmony, intergenerational responsibility, and ecological reciprocity. The study calls for a paradigm shift from externally imposed development models toward frameworks emerging from African philosophical traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, and ecological relationships. It concludes that sustainable engagement with the 4IR requires policies rooted in African resource sovereignty, meaningful community participation, and intergenerational responsibility. Only through such culturally grounded approaches can African nations harness technological opportunities while protecting the ecological systems upon which all life depends, ensuring that the Fourth Industrial Revolution does not perpetuate the environmental sacrifice that has characterized previous industrial transformations in Africa.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Exploitation of Africa's Environment for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: An Analysis Through Wangari Maathai's Ecological Framework

AU  - Amartey Laryea
Y1  - 2025/08/13
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13
T2  - American Journal of Environmental Protection
JF  - American Journal of Environmental Protection
JO  - American Journal of Environmental Protection
SP  - 145
EP  - 157
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5699
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13
AB  - This study examines the environmental impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on Africa through the analytical lens of Wangari Maathai’s ecological framework and Ubuntu philosophy. Using a critical policy analysis methodology that combines historical reconstruction with comparative case study examination, this research investigates how the accelerating demand for critical minerals, particularly cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, essential to 4IR technologies is causing significant environmental degradation across multiple African nations. The research investigates how the accelerating demand for critical minerals essential to 4IR technologies, particularly cobalt for artificial intelligence and battery systems, is causing significant environmental degradation in Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through content analysis of extraction practices and their ecological consequences, the study reveals that Africa continues to bear disproportionate environmental costs while receiving minimal benefits from technological advancement, perpetuating historical patterns of resource exploitation. The findings demonstrate extensive deforestation, water pollution, and ecosystem disruption resulting from intensified mining operations driven by global technological demands. Drawing on Maathai’s vision of environmental sustainability as fundamental to genuine development and Ubuntu’s emphasis on interconnectedness, the research argues for Africa-centered mineral extraction policies that prioritize environmental preservation and community well-being. This work advances theoretical discourse by problematizing Western-centered notions of “sustainable development” and proposing an African-centered framework that recognizes sustainability as inseparable from communal harmony, intergenerational responsibility, and ecological reciprocity. The study calls for a paradigm shift from externally imposed development models toward frameworks emerging from African philosophical traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, and ecological relationships. It concludes that sustainable engagement with the 4IR requires policies rooted in African resource sovereignty, meaningful community participation, and intergenerational responsibility. Only through such culturally grounded approaches can African nations harness technological opportunities while protecting the ecological systems upon which all life depends, ensuring that the Fourth Industrial Revolution does not perpetuate the environmental sacrifice that has characterized previous industrial transformations in Africa.
VL  - 14
IS  - 4
ER  -

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Amartey Laryea

Department of African Studies, Howard University, Washington DC, USA

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http://orcid.org/0009-0003-2942-1618

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Laryea, A. (2025). Exploitation of Africa's Environment for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: An Analysis Through Wangari Maathai's Ecological Framework. American Journal of Environmental Protection, 14(4), 145-157. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13

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ACS Style

Laryea, A. Exploitation of Africa's Environment for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: An Analysis Through Wangari Maathai's Ecological Framework. Am. J. Environ. Prot. 2025, 14(4), 145-157. doi: 10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13

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AMA Style

Laryea A. Exploitation of Africa's Environment for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: An Analysis Through Wangari Maathai's Ecological Framework. Am J Environ Prot. 2025;14(4):145-157. doi: 10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13

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@article{10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13,
  author = {Amartey Laryea},
  title = {Exploitation of Africa's Environment for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: An Analysis Through Wangari Maathai's Ecological Framework
},
  journal = {American Journal of Environmental Protection},
  volume = {14},
  number = {4},
  pages = {145-157},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajep.20251404.13},
  abstract = {This study examines the environmental impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on Africa through the analytical lens of Wangari Maathai’s ecological framework and Ubuntu philosophy. Using a critical policy analysis methodology that combines historical reconstruction with comparative case study examination, this research investigates how the accelerating demand for critical minerals, particularly cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, essential to 4IR technologies is causing significant environmental degradation across multiple African nations. The research investigates how the accelerating demand for critical minerals essential to 4IR technologies, particularly cobalt for artificial intelligence and battery systems, is causing significant environmental degradation in Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through content analysis of extraction practices and their ecological consequences, the study reveals that Africa continues to bear disproportionate environmental costs while receiving minimal benefits from technological advancement, perpetuating historical patterns of resource exploitation. The findings demonstrate extensive deforestation, water pollution, and ecosystem disruption resulting from intensified mining operations driven by global technological demands. Drawing on Maathai’s vision of environmental sustainability as fundamental to genuine development and Ubuntu’s emphasis on interconnectedness, the research argues for Africa-centered mineral extraction policies that prioritize environmental preservation and community well-being. This work advances theoretical discourse by problematizing Western-centered notions of “sustainable development” and proposing an African-centered framework that recognizes sustainability as inseparable from communal harmony, intergenerational responsibility, and ecological reciprocity. The study calls for a paradigm shift from externally imposed development models toward frameworks emerging from African philosophical traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, and ecological relationships. It concludes that sustainable engagement with the 4IR requires policies rooted in African resource sovereignty, meaningful community participation, and intergenerational responsibility. Only through such culturally grounded approaches can African nations harness technological opportunities while protecting the ecological systems upon which all life depends, ensuring that the Fourth Industrial Revolution does not perpetuate the environmental sacrifice that has characterized previous industrial transformations in Africa.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Exploitation of Africa's Environment for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: An Analysis Through Wangari Maathai's Ecological Framework

AU  - Amartey Laryea
Y1  - 2025/08/13
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13
T2  - American Journal of Environmental Protection
JF  - American Journal of Environmental Protection
JO  - American Journal of Environmental Protection
SP  - 145
EP  - 157
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5699
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajep.20251404.13
AB  - This study examines the environmental impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on Africa through the analytical lens of Wangari Maathai’s ecological framework and Ubuntu philosophy. Using a critical policy analysis methodology that combines historical reconstruction with comparative case study examination, this research investigates how the accelerating demand for critical minerals, particularly cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, essential to 4IR technologies is causing significant environmental degradation across multiple African nations. The research investigates how the accelerating demand for critical minerals essential to 4IR technologies, particularly cobalt for artificial intelligence and battery systems, is causing significant environmental degradation in Africa, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Through content analysis of extraction practices and their ecological consequences, the study reveals that Africa continues to bear disproportionate environmental costs while receiving minimal benefits from technological advancement, perpetuating historical patterns of resource exploitation. The findings demonstrate extensive deforestation, water pollution, and ecosystem disruption resulting from intensified mining operations driven by global technological demands. Drawing on Maathai’s vision of environmental sustainability as fundamental to genuine development and Ubuntu’s emphasis on interconnectedness, the research argues for Africa-centered mineral extraction policies that prioritize environmental preservation and community well-being. This work advances theoretical discourse by problematizing Western-centered notions of “sustainable development” and proposing an African-centered framework that recognizes sustainability as inseparable from communal harmony, intergenerational responsibility, and ecological reciprocity. The study calls for a paradigm shift from externally imposed development models toward frameworks emerging from African philosophical traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, and ecological relationships. It concludes that sustainable engagement with the 4IR requires policies rooted in African resource sovereignty, meaningful community participation, and intergenerational responsibility. Only through such culturally grounded approaches can African nations harness technological opportunities while protecting the ecological systems upon which all life depends, ensuring that the Fourth Industrial Revolution does not perpetuate the environmental sacrifice that has characterized previous industrial transformations in Africa.
VL  - 14
IS  - 4
ER  -

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