Thomas Scurfield

Africa Senior Economic Analyst Natural Resource Governance Institute

Thomas Scurfield is a senior economic analyst at the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), which is a non-profit policy institute that works to ensure natural resources enable fair, prosperous and sustainable societies instead of undermining them. Thomas supports economic policy work across Africa, including on taxation, revenue management and value addition. This support ranges from providing policy advice to governments to building the capacity of civil society actors. Previously, he led NRGI’s research, technical assistance and capacity building on these issues in Tanzania.

Prior to joining NRGI, Thomas spent several years working in Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Finance on extractive industry issues. Thomas has also worked with the U.K.’s Department for International Development as a member of the technical support team to improve governance and management of Sierra Leone’s extractive industries.

Thomas holds an M.Sc. in development economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, and a B.A. honors in economics from the University of Nottingham.

2024 Agenda Sessions

African Legal Support Facility (ALSF): “Mineral Taxation Toolkit”

The AMLA platform is a tool that African governments and legislative drafters may utilise in developing legislation, or which may serve as an educational device for parliamentarians, mining sector regulatory bodies, and civil society to better understand some of the possible legal solutions or systems for regulating the mining sector. The AMLA Guiding Template represents an enhanced starting point for its users by providing a clear and practical foundation on which they can thoroughly consider topical issues supported by sample drafting language as they develop, modify, or simply assess mining legislative frameworks that fit each country's unique context. The various toolkits developed to complement the AMLA platform and the Guiding Template provide enhanced analyses, references, and practical guidance on addressing specific mining legal issues.

Presentation of AMLA’s activities over the years
Presentation on previous toolkits and introduction of Mineral Taxation Toolkit
Expert Panel Session: Evolution of Mining Industry Taxation towards a Bold New Future for African Mining
•   impacts of mining fiscal policy approaches in Africa
•   tax avoidance – OECD BEPS initiative
•   incentives regimes
•   tax administration
•   proposals for reform to maximise benefits

Tuesday 06 February 10:00 - 12:00 Insiders Stage

Industry Intel

Add to calendar 02/06/2024 10:00 02/06/2024 12:00 African Legal Support Facility (ALSF): “Mineral Taxation Toolkit” The AMLA platform is a tool that African governments and legislative drafters may utilise in developing legislation, or which may serve as an educational device for parliamentarians, mining sector regulatory bodies, and civil society to better understand some of the possible legal solutions or systems for regulating the mining sector. The AMLA Guiding Template represents an enhanced starting point for its users by providing a clear and practical foundation on which they can thoroughly consider topical issues supported by sample drafting language as they develop, modify, or simply assess mining legislative frameworks that fit each country's unique context. The various toolkits developed to complement the AMLA platform and the Guiding Template provide enhanced analyses, references, and practical guidance on addressing specific mining legal issues.

Presentation of AMLA’s activities over the years
Presentation on previous toolkits and introduction of Mineral Taxation Toolkit
Expert Panel Session: Evolution of Mining Industry Taxation towards a Bold New Future for African Mining
•   impacts of mining fiscal policy approaches in Africa
•   tax avoidance – OECD BEPS initiative
•   incentives regimes
•   tax administration
•   proposals for reform to maximise benefits Insiders Stage Africa/Johannesburg

Three strike rule - Can mining policies equally benefit citizens, the environment and the energy tra

Policy as a blocker – has the delay of policy implementation slowed Africa’s transformation mechanics?
One at the expense of the other - is the emphasis on Western environmental priorities hindering Africa’s own transition?
Why must producers take the initiative when investing into their own transitions?
Showcasing positivity - who’s getting it right?
Social contract – what does the labor engagement look like? How can we limit the use of exploitative labor practices across Africa?

Tuesday 06 February 15:00 - 15:30 Governments Stage 1

Intergovernmental Summit

Add to calendar 02/06/2024 15:00 02/06/2024 15:30 Three strike rule - Can mining policies equally benefit citizens, the environment and the energy tra

Policy as a blocker – has the delay of policy implementation slowed Africa’s transformation mechanics?
One at the expense of the other - is the emphasis on Western environmental priorities hindering Africa’s own transition?
Why must producers take the initiative when investing into their own transitions?
Showcasing positivity - who’s getting it right?
Social contract – what does the labor engagement look like? How can we limit the use of exploitative labor practices across Africa?

Governments Stage 1 Africa/Johannesburg

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