Geological Resources and Good Governance in Sub-Saharan Africa
Jürgen Runge and James Shikwati (editors), CRC Press, 2011.
This book brings together numerous points of view on the prospects of geological resources for sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Some of the most resource rich countries in the world are mired in poverty and corruption. Poor governance is often to blame for the inability of a state to provide for its citizens.Transparency in the extractives sector fosters accountability, good governance, and sustainable development.
The idea for this book began in 2009 during the conference of the Commission de la Communauté Economique et Monétaire de l’Afrique Central (CEMAC) on ‘Geological Resources and Good Governance in Central Africa.’Various political, scientific, and private sector actors as well as members of civil society met to discuss the needs and challenges of transparency and good governance in the resource sector.
This book explores possibilities for addressing future challenges associated with the resource sector, including an analysis of the impact of the EITI in promoting transparency. Authored by Marie-Ange Kalenga and members of the EITI International Secretariat, the chapter entitled “The Impact of the EITI and the Role of Civil Society in Africa in Promoting and Advancing Transparency in the Extractives Sector,” details how the EITI provides a platform for engagement between civil society, companies, and government institutions. The EITI empowers civil society by giving individuals the tools to demand that revenues from the sale of resources are used for the benefit of the public. Geological Resources and Good Governance in Sub-Saharan Africa is addressed to stakeholders, civil society, international and private development agencies, planners, politicians, decision makers, and researchers.
