In the context of a global surge in demand for commodities, several industrialized countries including the EU have adopted strategies to secure access to raw materials. At the same time, resource-rich developing countries have increasingly introduced measures aimed at using their resource base for broader economic development and at reaping higher income from raw material exploitation and exports. This policy note outlines the content and implementation of the EU Raw Materials Initiative and assesses its possible effects on policy space in African countries that aim to pursue resource-based development strategies.