The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in Zimbabwe: An Appraisal of Prospects and Challenges.
Forthcoming, (2021) Journal of Energy and Natural Resources Law (https://doi.org/10.1080/02646811.2021.1894006)
Posted: 23 Feb 2021 Last revised: 15 Mar 2021
Date Written: February 20, 2021
Abstract
This paper discusses the prospects of Zimbabwe adopting the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). It evaluates the preconditions, country’s legal and institutional readiness, while engaging with the benefits of the EITI . Zimbabwe has struggled to maximise benefits from its mineral resources due to a weak and outdated legal framework that does not sufficiently promote transparency and accountability. It is posited that adopting initiatives like the EITI may be first steps towards ensuring the country benefits from its resources. These challenges are unlikely to be cured by the EITI per se. The current political, economic, and legal environment is not ideal given the institutional weaknesses and global political pressures such as smart sanctions that make joining the EITI legally sound, but politically imprudent. Strong constitutional traditions, effective law enforcement, supportive relationships between government and civil society (civic engagement), and regulation embedded on elements of the EITI standard could have positive impact.
Keywords: Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), extractives industry, mining regulation, transparency and accountability, Zimbabwe
JEL Classification: K2, K3, Q3, Q4, Q5
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation