There will be developmental impact through the construction of roads, the creation of jobs and transfer of expertise. This approach is diametrically opposed to the Bank's new professed approach to development. After 50 years in the development business, World Bank researchers have concluded that social sector investments provide the largest poverty alleviation benefits. We should be tackling poverty in a direct fashion and not trying to do it through large multinational companies in the hope that something will trickle down to the poor. That trickle-down approach is discredited at this stage.
Real change involves decentralization, devolving power to the people at the base.
Exxon, Shell and ELF are not in the business of devolving power, redistributing wealth or dismantling of corrupt and brutal governments.