Countering Corruption Through Transparency: The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in Sub‐Saharan Africa

ABSTRACT This paper examines the relationship between the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and corruption in 26 resource‐rich developing countries in the sub‐Saharan Africa region over a period of 30 years. It aims to determine the extent to which the EITI mitigates corruption levels within the sample. By covering the entire process of EITI membership, from the intention to join to achieving EITI Compliant status, and focusing specifically on the sub‐Saharan Africa region, which predominantly consists of EITI member countries, this study addresses gaps in existing literature. The findings suggest that the EITI serves as one of several available options to combat corruption within these countries, with varying impacts across different stages of membership. Overall, the research contributes to a better understanding of how transparency and accountability initiatives such as the EITI can influence governance outcomes in resource‐rich developing countries.