April 2019 News and Analysis from NRGI

News from NRGI
1 May 2019

Highlights

NRGI has just launched the National Oil Company Database, a one-of-its-kind resource on these powerful yet under-scrutinized state-owned entities. Read a press release announcing the site, watch the trailer, explore the database, read this Financial Times story about the project, or delve into an overview report and a more in-depth exploration of key findings. You can also watch a replay of last week's launch event featuring NRGI experts as well as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative's Mark Robinson and the World Bank's Zainab Usman:

The database not only provides information on more than 70 state oil companies; it also allows users to compare performance and benchmark individual companies against others. The two reports draw out findings and show composite metrics across national oil companies:

Resource Governance Index: From Legal Reform to Implementation in Sub-Saharan Africa

This report (also available in French) explores common resource governance successes and challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, taking advantage of the rich dataset and documentation provided by the Resource Governance Index. It centers on a challenge faced by many governments in the region: implementing laws in the oil, gas and mining sector. (Read the press release in English or French.)

Events

El desafío de la gobernanza, captura del Estado y corrupción: evidencia y acción
This 3 May conference discussion in Valencia, Spain, on state capture and corruption, features NRGI president and CEO Daniel Kaufmann. Register to attend. The event follows a slate of engagements in Spain for Kaufmann, including lectures in Madrid and Murcia.

Executive Course on Oil, Gas and Mining Governance 2019

Developed through a unique collaboration between Oxford University and NRGI, this intensive five-day course provides the training and insight required for senior policy-makers from around the world to manage and govern their nation’s oil, gas or mineral resources for a better future. Scholarships are available for select candidates from Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Indonesia, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tunisia and Zambia. Apply by 2 June.

Natural Resources for Sustainable Development 2019

Natural resources represent a potentially transformational opportunity to support development but are ultimately finite. How do we make the most of them without destroying the planet? In this free 12-week online course, starting 5 May and produced by NRGI, the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment and the World Bank, participants will learn about efforts to sustainably manage extractive industry investments.

Blog

U.K. Financial Regulator Confirms Extractive Companies Must Name Government Entities to Which They Make Payments
Some oil, gas and mining companies reporting their payments to governments under U.K. law have omitted important elements. Publish What You Pay and NRGI have raised concerns around the omissions, and authorities are taking action. (This post is also available in French.)

Aramco’s Billions Hint at Hidden State Oil Riches Worldwide
Investors and Saudi Arabia watchers recently got an eyeful of the massive riches of state oil company Saudi Aramco, which in a prospectus reported USD 111 billion in profits for 2018. But despite their role as custodians of masses of public money, state oil companies are notoriously opaque.

Extractives Sector Reporters Face Immense Pressure and Ethical Challenges. They Need Support and Guidance.
Journalists covering oil, gas and mining topics, especially in challenging jurisdictions, often face ethical dilemmas. NRGI continues to work to equip them with the skills they need to navigate these tricky spaces.

Contract Disclosure Good for Business in Myanmar, Total Says
As a global transparency initiative prepares to require member governments to publish the contracts they sign with oil, gas and mining companies, an executive for French oil major Total discusses the potential benefits of contract disclosure for investors in Myanmar.