As the global energy transition proceeds, a differentiated and contextually fitting approach is necessary for the sustainable development of emerging and developing economies. In this regard, countries are hastening the implementation of major projects, including those in the extractives sector, to hasten national development while preparing for the energy transition. This chapter analyses two African extractive projects and proposes approaches to ensure the delivery of just and climate-responsive projects, which enable emerging countries to leverage their extractive sectors to propel their national transitions. We first analyze the proposed DRC Zambia Battery Precursor Project, which leverages the critical minerals sectors in both countries. Secondly, the chapter focuses on Project Oil Kenya, an upstream oil project in Kenya set to go into full-field development. The chapter explores the economic, environmental and socio-political issues that the projects face and proposes innovative approaches to ensure sustainability. The discussion in this chapter highlights the pivotal role of the social license to operate in ensuring project success and sustainability while highlighting the roles of companies, governments and communities in ensuring sustainability.