A Balancing Act for Extractive Sector Governance
Publisher: Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit
Author(s): Javed Noorani and Lien de Brouckere
Date: 2016
Topics: Economic Recovery, Extractive Resources, Governance
Countries: Afghanistan
This issue paper aims to examine the role and governance of the extractive sector in the economic development of Afghanistan. Specifically, the paper first addresses the threshold question as to whether, and if so, how the extractive sector can support economic development in Afghanistan without creating or contributing to conflict. Next, it identifies challenges and presents recommendations in two interrelated areas: (1) minimising negative impacts and (2) enhancing transparency and accountability about benefits.2 In analysing this balancing act, the study looks at existing procedures (i.e., regulatory impact assessment and AEITI) and the role of public participation and civil society actors in these.3 More broadly, the study serves as a basis for a joint review and discussion among Afghan and German experts, and feeds into the broader Afghan-German Govern4Afg dialogue about the future of the extractive sector in Afghanistan.