EITI’s impact

For more than two decades, the EITI has helped countries strengthen governance of their oil, gas and mineral resources by reducing corruption risks, improving revenue management and supporting informed decision-making on the energy transition. 

Across more than 50 countries, EITI implementation has contributed to legal and regulatory reforms, stronger institutions, better-informed public debate and improved management of natural resource revenues. 

Multi-stakeholder groups in each EITI implementing country promote transparency and accountability by acting as a platform for publishing trusted data and enabling debate among stakeholders. In this way, the EITI helps create the conditions for responsible investment and effective management of the economic, environmental and social impacts of extractive activities.

EITI’s country impact stories highlight how governments, companies, civil society organisations, journalists, researchers and communities are using EITI data to achieve tangible results. They show how transparency and multi-stakeholder dialogue can lead to reforms in areas such as revenue management, beneficial ownership transparency, contract disclosure, state-owned enterprise governance and public participation and oversight.

A growing body of independent research provides evidence of the EITI’s contribution to stronger governance and economic outcomes. Academic and peer-reviewed research have found links between EITI implementation and increased resource revenues, higher tax revenues and greater foreign direct investment.

Independent assessments provide further evidence of the EITI’s contribution to change. The EITI’s 2022 independent evaluation examined its relevance, effectiveness, impact and sustainability, while more recent assessments – including evaluations of the Opening Extractives programme and recent GIZ research on investment climate and anti-corruption – have examined results in specific areas such as beneficial ownership transparency and wider governance outcomes.

Governance reform is complex and context specific. Change often occurs gradually and involves multiple actors. The EITI's Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework supports a balanced and credible assessment of progress, focusing on understanding EITI’s contribution to change rather than seeking direct attribution. It combines quantitative data, Validation findings and qualitative evidence to provide a structured approach to tracking progress. 

The framework provides a blueprint for countries seeking to deepen their understanding of how to use EITI in their context. Regular reporting on key performance indicators linked to the MEL framework supports a results-based approach leading to continuous improvement. This also provides a basis for aggregate assessments of progress across EITI countries, captured in annual progress reports.

Through Validation, the EITI's quality assurance mechanism, countries are assessed against the EITI Standard and supported in identifying opportunities for improvement. Validation promotes accountability, informs reforms and helps stakeholders track progress over time. 

The EITI's influence extends beyond implementing countries. The EITI has informed global discussions on transparency and accountability in the extractive sector and contributed to the development of related standards, policies and initiatives. Every three years, it convenes a Global Conference to bring together stakeholders working on resource governance, take stock of progress and shape the future of resource governance. 

Through partnerships with international organisations, governments, companies and civil society, the EITI advances its priorities through joint projects, research and advocacy that support more transparency and accountable management of natural resources.

The EITI's impact extends across a range of policy areas critical to good governance of natural resources. Through transparency, dialogue and reform, EITI implementation helps countries address corruption risks, strengthen domestic resource mobilisation, support a just energy transition and improve governance of state-owned enterprises, licensing, contracts and revenue management.