Find the full schedule and overview of decisions linked below.

Validation assesses progress against the EITI Standard (set out in section 3 of the EITI Standard). The methodology is set out in the Validation Guide, with guidance on assessing each provision of the EITI Standard. In some cases, the Validation Guide specifies the evidence that the validator must use to ensure that a provision has been satisfied. In other cases, there are different approaches that a country might take to address an EITI provision, and the Validation Guide provides examples of the types of evidence that the validator might consider.

Given the multi-stakeholder nature of the EITI and the importance of dialogue, the Validation procedures emphasise stakeholder consultation. Validation is carried out in four stages.

1. Preparation for Validation.

Prior to the commencement of Validation, the multi-stakeholder group is encouraged to undertake a self-assessment of adherence to the EITI Standard. The Validation Guide includes a provision that: “where the multi-stakeholder group wishes that Validation pays particular attention to assessing certain objectives or activities in accordance with the multi-stakeholder group work plan, these should be outlined upon the request of the multi-stakeholder group ”. The national secretariat is requested to collate the documentation and other sources that demonstrate progress with meeting the EITI Requirements, including multi-stakeholder group minutes. Stakeholders are also invited to prepare any other documentation they consider relevant. A guidance note on preparing for Validation is available.

2. Initial data collection and stakeholder consultation undertaken by the EITI International Secretariat.

The International Secretariat reviews the relevant documentation, visits the country and consults stakeholders. This includes meetings with the multi-stakeholder group, the Independent Administrator and other key stakeholders, including stakeholders that are represented on, but not directly participating in, the multi-stakeholder group. The Board maintains a standardised procedure for data collection, addressing stakeholder consultation and deadlines for the completion of the initial assessment.

Based on these consultations, the International Secretariat will prepare a report making an initial evaluation of progress towards requirements in accordance with the Validation Guide. The initial assessment will not include an overall assessment of progress.

The report is submitted to the Validator. The National Coordinator receives a copy. Comments on the facts are welcome but National Coordinators and the multi-stakeholder group are encouraged to defer any major commentary until they receive the Validator’s draft report.

3. Independent Validation.

The Board will appoint an Independent Validator through an open, competitive tendering process. The Validator will report to the Board via the Validation Committee.

The Validator assesses whether the Secretariat’s initial assessment has been carried out in accordance with the Validation Guide. This will include: a detailed desk review of the relevant documentation for each requirement and the Secretariat’s initial evaluation for each requirement, and a risk-based approach for spot checks, and further consultations with stakeholders. The Board may request that the Validator undertake spot checks on specific requirements.

The Validator comments on the Secretariat’s initial assessment and prepares a Draft Validation Report. The multi-stakeholder group is invited to comment on the Draft Validation Report. Having considered the multi-stakeholder group’s comments, the Validator compiles a Final Validation Report. The Validator writes to the multi-stakeholder group to explain how it has considered their comments. The multi-stakeholder group receives a copy of the Final Validation Report.

The Final Validation Report will include the Validator’s assessment of progress with meeting each provision, but not an overall assessment of progress. The Validator will be invited to present their findings to the Validation Committee.

4. Board Review.

The Validation Committee will review the Final Validation Report and the supporting documentation (including the multi-stakeholder group’s comments). The Validation Committee will then make a recommendation to the EITI Board on the country’s progress with meeting the EITI Standard and, where applicable, any corrective actions required.

The EITI Board will make the final determination of whether the requirements are met or unmet, and on the country’s overall level of progress in accordance with Article 6 of the EITI Board’s procedures for oversight of EITI implementation.

The initial assessment, Validation Report and associated MSG comments are considered confidential until the Board has reached a decision.

For additional details, see the documents listed below.

The Board bases its decision on extensive assessments of the country's extractives sector. 

The colour-coded scorecard presents the progress made by countries to meet the requirements. It also presents an overview of the country overall status. The Validation Report and initial data collection provide the background on how each requirement was assessed.