Positive evaluation of strategic partnership with ministry

“The focus on local governments is key, as it constitutes a non-transferable function for ensuring service delivery and which is often overlooked, including by external development agencies when ‘localising’ their approaches.”

This statement highlights the unique value of VNG International’s work in Africa and the Middle East. It concerns the mid-term evaluation of the Sustainable Development through improved Local Governance (SDLG) program, which has been running in 14 countries since 2022 and shapes our strategic partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The evaluation is predominantly positive about the results achieved. A key success factor is the program’s ability for adapting to constantly changing local and national conditions. Political leadership plays a crucial role here in initiating and guiding change processes. An example of this can be found in Mozambique, where two aldermen from different political parties worked together to professionalize the tax department. This resulted in a successful inter-municipal collaboration, supported by VNG International. In addition, the municipalities launched a public campaign on the importance of paying taxes to improve service delivery.

It also advocates for strengthening (the process of) local democratization, by funding smaller initiatives identified by citizens. This strengthens the legitimacy of local governance, increases commitment of and ensures that municipalities are taken more seriously by their citizens. The evaluation recommends further integration of this approach into the programme, which is relevant, not only for VNG International, but indirectly also for other private (NGOs), bilateral (governments) and multilateral (UN) development organizations that should seek more connection in their projects with local governance.