As oil, gas, and mining discoveries continue throughout West Africa and beyond, the vast potential of revenues from these extractive industries to improve the lives of citizens has been a topic of much debate. This research project aims to provide insight into the governance of the extractives sector, and in particular why despite instruments of transparency being on the rise, accountability continues to be lacking and improved outcomes are not being felt on the ground. It aims to elucidate the interaction and synergies between international, regional, and national governance mechanisms and institutions in three countries – Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Liberia – with particular focus on the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and the Publish What You Pay (PWYP) coalition. The project aims to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each country’s arrangements, and to explore the extent to which practices have moved beyond transparencyto actually contribute to good governance and equitable socio-economic development.