Casula illustrates Eni's commitment to developing Africa

(AGI) Rho (Milan), June 9 - A correct approach by oil and gascompanies in Africa leads to a growth in human capital as wellas boosting local economies, said Eni's Chief Development,Operations and Technology Officer, Roberto Casula. "The role,and, I would add, the responsibility that the extractionindustry has in achieving human development goals, besidesincreasing the GDP, is now widely recognised," Casula saidduring the United Nations Conference on developing Africannations held at the Expo on Tuesday. "This is especially truefor Eni, in light of its lengthy presence on the continent, andthe unique approach that has always characterised the company'swork there." Eni, which has been active in Africa since the1950s, currently operates in 15 countries with a predominantlylocal workforce. Local governments, Casula explained, "obtainimportant resources for their budgets - through taxes,royalties, and profit sharing - from their agreements with oilcompanies". "These resources can be used to improve healthcare,education, transportation, and energy infrastructure," henoted. In addition to these benefits, the extraction industrymakes a significant contribution to local economies by creatingjobs and developing the national service industry, he said.Eni's cooperation model focuses on: transmitting knowledge;technological advancement; using gas from oil production toprovide energy for local businesses and populations; anddeveloping projects in the agricultural, healthcare, andeducation sectors. Casula listed examples of Eni's actions,such as the Hinda project in Congo, through which 25,000 peopleliving in the 22 villages near Eni's oil and gas extractionarea benefited from improved healthcare, farming, and educationprograms. "To us, a partnerial approach, heeding the civilsociety's voice, and discussing development programs withgovernments are key elements in maximising the benefits ofextraction activities," Casula concluded. (AGI).