The Effects of Oil Companies’ Activities on the Environment, Health and Development in Sub-Saharan Africa

Negative impacts of the oil industry are a major concern in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), threatening not only the health of local communities, but also the livelihoods they depend on. The following study examines the impacts of the oil industry in sub-Saharan Africa and current measures to mitigate these impacts. It offers possible solutions that could be put forward by different stakeholders, including the EU and the European Parliament in particular, to reduce the negative impacts and enhance the contribution of the oil sector to sustainable development. The study focuses in particular on Nigeria and Angola, sub- Saharan Africa’s largest oil producers, but is supplemented by insights from other SSA countries. Specifically, the study examines a range of impacts, including the environmental, healthrelated and social effects of oil spills and gas flares; the employment opportunities offered and the wider economic implications of the sector; to what extent the oil industry has contributed to conflict in oil-producing regions, and the extent and consequences of oil theft. It goes on to review current efforts to mitigate some of these impacts through government regulations in oil-producing and importing countries, community engagement, and international standards and initiatives. It also draws on experiences from other natural resources sectors to assess what can be learned with regard to regulating trade in resources from conflict areas or that are illegally sourced. The study concludes with a set of recommendations focusing on regulatory measures, technology solutions, partnership- building and European development assistance.