In a continuous effort to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in Liberia’s extractive sector, the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI) held a one-day training workshop with intellectual centers on EITI reporting and implementation. The event took place at the LEITI Secretariat in Monrovia and brought together key stakeholders, including researchers, civil society organizations, and academics, for a collaborative discussion on the importance of the EITI process in Liberia.

The training workshop, attended by 30 participants, including 10 women, focused on strengthening LEITI’s visibility and enhancing public debate on the effective utilization of extractive data. With the global push for transparency in natural resource management, the event aimed to equip intellectuals and advocates with the knowledge needed to champion good governance in Liberia’s extractive industries.

The primary goal of the workshop was to expand LEITI’s visibility in Liberia while ensuring that the data it produces is not only understood but also utilized by the public, civil society, and academic institutions. The Head of Secretariat, Jeffrey N. Yates, emphasized this in his opening remarks, calling on participants to serve as ambassadors of the EITI initiative in the Country.

“We rely on you, our intellectual partners, to help strengthen transparency and accountability by making effective use of the data LEITI provides,” Yates said. “Your role in amplifying the importance of good governance in Liberia’s extractive sector is critical. We cannot do this work alone, and strong partnerships are key to success.”

Yates further noted that the workshop was an opportunity for participants to learn how to engage more actively with the EITI process, particularly by understanding how EITI data can be analyzed, interpreted, and used to drive public debate. By expanding their understanding, intellectual centers can influence both public policy and government actions, ensuring that the extractive sector benefits the Liberian people.

Liberia, a country rich in natural resources like iron ore, gold, and diamonds, has faced historical challenges with the management of its extractive industries. The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) seeks to address these challenges by ensuring that the revenues generated from these resources are accounted for and transparently reported.

As part of the global EITI movement, LEITI operates to track and publish detailed information about Liberia’s natural resource management, including revenue streams, licensing processes, and contracts between the government and private companies. However, the success of this initiative largely depends on how well the data is utilized by civil society, media, and academic institutions to hold the government and private sector accountable.

“EITI reporting goes beyond numbers and data. It is about making sure the people of Liberia know how their resources are being managed and ensuring that the benefits of these resources reach every Liberian,” Yates added.

Intellectual centers, which include universities, think tanks, and civil society research institutions, have a significant role to play in enhancing transparency and accountability in the extractive sector. By analyzing LEITI data, these institutions can identify gaps in governance and offer policy recommendations to improve how natural resources are managed.

During the workshop, participants received training on various aspects of EITI reporting, including how to navigate and interpret LEITI reports, how to utilize the data for research and public advocacy, and ways to enhance public debate by leveraging EITI data. Additionally, the workshop highlighted the importance of building synergies with intellectual centers as they play a vital role in ensuring sustainable EITI governance in the Country.

Several participants expressed their commitment to using the knowledge gained from the workshop to drive public awareness campaigns and hold policymakers accountable. They acknowledged that for EITI data to have a lasting impact, it must be actively used to inform public debates and decision-making processes.

An encouraging aspect of the workshop was the participation of women, who accounted for one-third of the attendees. Gender inclusion remains a priority for LEITI as the organization recognizes the importance of involving women in the decision-making processes that affect the extractive sector.

One female participant, Aminata T. Guye emphasized the need for more women to be involved in conversations about transparency and resource management. “Women are often the most affected by the mismanagement of resources, yet we are underrepresented in the discussions that shape the policies around them,” she said. “Workshops like these provide us with the tools to be more effective advocates for change.”

A key theme throughout the workshop was the importance of partnerships. Yates highlighted that for LEITI to achieve its mission of promoting transparency and accountability in the extractive industries, it requires the collaboration of multiple stakeholders.

“The fight for good governance cannot be won by LEITI alone,” Yates noted. “We need the support of intellectual centers, civil society organizations, the media, and the public. This workshop is just one step towards building those strong partnerships that will drive sustainable change in Liberia.”

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to actively engage with the EITI process and to use their platforms to advocate for transparency and accountability. The workshop also strengthened the network of individuals and organizations working towards good governance in Liberia, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard in the management of the country’s natural resources.

As Liberia continues its journey toward better governance, the work of LEITI and its partners will remain critical in ensuring that the wealth from the country’s resources is used to benefit all Liberians, not just a privileged few.

LEITI plans to host more capacity-building workshops in the future, targeting different sectors and groups to expand the reach of the EITI initiative. These efforts aim to create a more informed and engaged public that can demand transparency and hold both the government and private sector accountable for the management of Liberia’s extractive industries.

By fostering strong partnerships and building a knowledgeable base of advocates, LEITI is positioning itself as a driving force for positive change in Liberia's governance landscape. The one-day event took place on Tuesday, 5th November 2024 at the LEITI Secretariat in Monrovia.