Building Better Futures


VNG International are experts in strengthening democratic local government in developing countries and countries in transition.

VNG International

Local governments make a real difference in how people live, work and thrive. As the level of government closest to citizens, they translate policies into tangible results and deliver solutions that improve everyday life. That is why VNG International, rooted in the experience of Dutch municipalities, supports democratic local governments around the world.

We work with local governments to develop practical and innovative solutions that strengthen their capacity and performance. Our projects cover areas such as improving waste and water services, climate change adaptation, local tax systems, local economic development, and transparent local governance. We often work in contexts affected by conflict, migration and crisis, enhancing inclusive and reliable public services, with particular attention to women, young people and vulnerable groups.

We are supporting over

61 Million

People worldwide

50

Projects

25

Countries

News updates

  • Stronger local governance improves water access and stability in Greater Kapoeta, South Sudan

    August 13, 2026
  • Local Inclusion Agenda helps municipalities embed inclusion in daily practice

    July 17, 2026
  • Residents and service providers work together for better services in refugee camps

    July 10, 2026
  • Renske Steenbergen appointed Director of VNG International 

    June 30, 2026
  • Youth engagement boosts local tax revenue in Mali

    August 28, 2026

    Local development tax revenue in a rural commune in the Sikasso-region in Mali increased by more than 50% in 2025 following efforts to involve young people in strengthening dialogue between residents and the municipality.

    The increase enabled the municipality to meet a number of financial commitments on time. These included paying the salary of the local public health officer, covering costs for school supervisors and contributing to the medical evacuation system for severely ill patients. The municipality was also able to fund an artistic biennale and activities marking Mali’s Independence Day.

    Young facilitators bridge the gap between citizens and local government

    The approach is part of the Local Coaching Facilitator Programme (PACT), implemented by VNG International and the Association of Municipalities of Mali. Young people are trained as facilitators and engage residents in discussions about local governance, civic responsibilities and the services provided by municipalities. The programme aims to increase residents’ understanding of how local government works and how local revenues contribute to public services. By encouraging dialogue between citizens and their municipality, it also seeks to strengthen citizen participation and local accountability.

    PACT programme expands across Mali

    PACT is currently being implemented in five communes in Mali as part of the Sustainable Development through Improved Local Governance programme (SDLG 2022–2026). The wider programme supports four intermunicipal cooperation networks that work together on challenges shared by neighbouring municipalities, including environmental issues.

Featured projects

  • ADIL – Appui au Développement Intégré Local – Integrated Local Development Support Programme

    Country: Algeria
    Start August 1, 2024 till July 31, 2027
    ADIL drives Algeria’s decentralization reforms by strengthening local governance and unlocking territorial potential.
  • Water Pricing for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth

    Country: Ethiopia
    Start September 1, 2018 till August 31, 2026
    The project aims to improve equitable access to scarce water resources and increase water-use efficiency in the Awash Basin.
  • Somalia, Sustainable Development through improved Local Governance

    Country: Somalia
    Start January 1, 2022 till December 31, 2026
    SDLG Somalia promotes local economic development by supporting cooperation among local authorities, youth and marginalized groups.
  • Uganda, Sustainable Development through improved Local Governance

    Country: Uganda
    Start January 1, 2022 till December 31, 2026
    SDLG Uganda helps local governments build accountable, inclusive governance for communities faced by conflict, displacement and economic hardship.
  • Benin, Sustainable Development through Improved Local Governance

    Country: Benin
    Start January 1, 2024 till December 31, 2026
    This programme supports local governments to build resilient communities, focusing on climate and water risks with safe, fair solutions for all.