"THE WADE FORMULA" - PRESIDENT WADE'S PROPOSES GLOBAL OIL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 DAKAR 002367 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR EB/ESC/IEC, EB/TPP, AF/EPS AND AF/W DOE FOR OFFICE OF POLICY AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS USDOC FOR 4510/OA/PMICHELINI, AROBINSON-MORGAN/KBOYD USDOC FOR 3131/CS/ANESA/OIO/GLOOSE/GLITMAN/MSTAUNTON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EPET EAID ECON ETRD EINV SG SUBJECT: "THE WADE FORMULA" - PRESIDENT WADE'S PROPOSES GLOBAL OIL SURCHARGE TO FIGHT AFRICAN POVERTY DAKAR 00002367 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On September 26, President Abdoulaye Wade convoked the Ambassador to discuss Senegal's MCC program and other large development plans and to present "The Wade Formula," the President's own vision of a new mechanism for fighting poverty in Africa by sharing a new global surcharge on petroleum with non-petroleum producing countries. Wade's public outreach on this subject highlights oil company profits. In the coming weeks, as part of an on-going dialogue on the impact of record global oil prices on poor African countries, Wade plans to present his idea to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and to the Editors of Foreign Affairs magazine. Though the Wade Formula appears to be unworkable for any number of reasons, President Wade's charisma and tenacity in pushing his ideas should not be underestimated. END SUMMARY. THE WADE FORMULA -------------- ¶2. (U) "The Wade Formula" apparently made its public appearance as a GOS-paid advertisement in the September 22, 2006 Financial Times. The advertisement includes: Begin text: The Wade Formula: The soaring price of oil in West Africa has made it all but impossible for governments to proceed with anti-poverty efforts. What can be done to prevent a pan-African catastrophe? President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal has a formula for African oil-producing nations, the international community, and major oil companies to contribute to the solution. In simple terms: (Pt - 29)Qt = St where: Pt = current price of crude oil 29 = dollar benchmark of crude oil in 2003 Qt = quantity of oil imported by the PANPP (Non-Petroleum Producing African Country) St = oil Surcharge To participate in an open dialogue on The Wade Formula, contact Mr. Hassan BA, Special Advisor to the President, at hassanba_2000@yahoo.fr. End text. ¶3. (U) The other volley of the advertisement touches on the global oil prices and oil company profits: Begin text: The Wade Formula An Invitation to the Major Oil Companies and Oil Producing Countries in Africa to Save the African Continent and Combat Poverty. ExxonMobil alone just announced 10 billion dollar profits for the 2nd quarter of 2006. And, its production of 1 million barrels of African oil per day. Senegal and other non-producing oil African nations are falling into greater poverty everyday as oil prices climb rampantly. (Expected to reach $100/barrel by the end of 2006). The Wade Formula saves entire countries and assists major oil companies in proving their commitment to true "Corporate Social Responsibility." Support the Wade Formula. End text. HOW WOULD THIS WORK? IT'S NOT CLEAR -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Presidential Special Advisor Ba has not been available to further explain "the Wade Formula." In presenting his plan to the Ambassador, President Wade did not provide details on who was to pay the "surcharge" or how the money was to be collected, accounted for, or programmed. Wade appeared genuinely convinced that this is an idea whose time has come, and he explained that he will be presenting the Wade Formula in a number of high-level engagements in the coming week. Wade mentioned that his thoughts on the impact of high oil prices on poor countries would be par of an article in the next issue of Foreign Affairs magazine. He is also scheduled to discuss his ideas at a small roundtable hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on or about October 31. DAKAR 00002367 002.2 OF 002 COMMENT - NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY -------------- ¶5. (SBU) "The Wade Formula" is not likely to place the Senegalese President on the short list for the next Fields Medal, but Wade is a keen intellect who has written a number of books on economics and international development. Even though the proposal raises a vast range of political, economic, and legal issues, Wade has proven himself to be a tenacious advocate and effective public campaigner for his public ideas, as witnessed by his successful efforts to gain international approval of the Digital Solidarity Fund. END COMMENT. Jacobs