Overview:
Following the theoretical formulation of the Value Sovereignty framework (Musiiwa, 2026; DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21604818), this document details the methodological design for a four-case comparative research programme.
Comparative Architecture:
To evaluate the theoretical reach and robustness of the framework beyond its initial Zimbabwe/lithium anchor, this programme employs a most-different-systems design across two regional blocs (SADC and ECOWAS) and four critical mineral commodities:
Botswana (Diamonds / SADC): Testing value sovereignty as a policy choice distinct from institutional quality.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (Cobalt / SADC): Evaluating the framework’s diagnostic ability in weak-state and value-loss settings.
Nigeria (Oil / ECOWAS): Examining 'agency over fatalism' in classic resource-curse and refining contexts.
Ghana (Gold / ECOWAS): Observing the 'strategic hedge' and regional market dynamics in real time.
Purpose:
Serves as the overarching research design and chapter blueprint for TGRI Press's forthcoming Volume I (Finish What We Dig)