Strengthening security sector governance in fragile jurisdictions: The role of the private sector

The private security sector in Southern Africa has expanded rapidly over the last two decades. The extractives industry has helped drive this growth,
with private security companies (PSCs) providing essential protection for mining operations in fragile regions. However, these contexts are often ‘hybrid security environments’ characterised by weak state presence and multiple public and private security providers engaged in ad hoc security arrangements, with varying degrees of legitimacy, authority, and oversight.

For companies, this raises the risk of being implicated in human rights abuses, triggering legal liabilities, sanctions, and reputational harm. Poor security sector governance can also inflame community grievances and social tensions, potentially sparking protests, violence, and a negative impact on companies’ social license to operate. To address these risks, PSCs and mining companies can take a proactive role in strengthening security governance within the areas in which they operate.

This report is part of an ongoing research project and provides an overview of governance challenges and opportunities for the private sector to improve security sector governance in Southern Africa, drawing on insights gathered for a research project on hybrid security governance in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique.