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Report

Bridging the gap: Recommendations on the transition to systematic transparency of extractives data

Publisher
EITI Secretariat

[English] [French]

This expert report, authored by independent consultant Anwar Ravat, was originally commissioned to review the data assurance procedures used in EITI implementing countries and their cost, and to determine whether the use of Independent Administrators (AIs) safeguards the reporting of comprehensive and reliable data.

This review of reporting has also delivered important recommendations on how to bridge the gap between current systems used in many EITI countries and “mainstreaming” – the routine reporting of data in government and company systems. This evolution is one of the most important steps that implementing countries can take in delivering on the original purpose of the EITI – publishing data in a way that enhances the value of resources for citizens.

Systematic transparency can reduce the time delays and cost of reporting and improve accessibility. The transition also has a direct bearing on the work and purpose of multi-stakeholder groups (MSGs) by enabling them to analyse data, engage with decision makers, and share the information widely. This report makes an important contribution by offering concrete suggestions on how this work might evolve in the light of our focus on systematic disclosure.

Contents

Foreword
Executive summary

  1. Introduction
  2. Context
  3. Overview of findings
  4. Broader conclusions from the review
  5. The business case for innovation in the reconciliation requirement
  6. Options for consideration in EITI implementation
  7. Addressing stakeholder concerns and managing potential transition issues
  8. Conclusion

Annexes

About the author

Anwar Ravat, a Zimbabwe national, has worked for several years with the EITI process including as Program Manager of the then World Bank-managed multi-donor trust fund created to support countries across the globe to adopt and implement EITI. He retired from the World Bank and International Finance Corporation a few years ago after a 25 year-long career as a finance and mining specialist. Anwar remains an active student of economic and social development of countries and societies. He currently lives in the Washington D.C. area, USA.