(Ecofin Agency) - Following an evaluation conducted in April 2023, Côte d'Ivoire achieved a score of 80.5 out of 100 in its implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Standard. This score highlights areas where the country can further improve its management of extractive resources.

This week, the Ivorian government approved a decree establishing the National Council for Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (CN-ITIE), detailing its structure and functions. This restructuring aligns with recommendations from the EITI's assessment of the country in April 2023.

In a statement from the Council of Ministers on April 17, it was noted, "This decree notably strengthens the participation of extractive companies, civil society, technical and financial partners, as well as researchers in the bodies and meetings of the CN-ITIE, aiming to ensure transparency in the management of national mining and energy resources in line with EITI process standards."

Following Côte d'Ivoire's evaluation score of 80.5, the EITI proposed various measures to local authorities to enhance EITI Standard implementation. These recommendations include enhancing the representation of NGOs within the "civil society" component of the CN-ITIE and bolstering the capacities of this segment. Additionally, the EITI Board suggested disclosing the ultimate beneficiaries of all companies holding or applying for extractive licenses and leveraging EITI disclosures to stimulate discussions and support reforms.

Established in 2003, the EITI aims to improve natural resource management, governance, and accountability in the public and extractive industry sectors. The organization has been instrumental in highlighting opaque or unfavorable mining contracts to governments. A recent example is in the DRC, where the EITI assisted the Congolese state in securing an additional $4 billion in an agreement with China.

Emiliano Tossou