SDLG: Sustainable Development through improved Local Governance

Across the world, local governments can face growing demands, limited resources and complex challenges such as climate change, migration and rapid urbanisation. Sustainable Development through Improved Local Governance (SDLG) is a 5-year programme funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It strengthens local governments so they can respond more effectively to these pressures, deliver reliable services and work transparently with citizens.

We support municipalities in improving how they plan, budget and organise day-to-day services. We also help strengthen relationships with residents, civil society and local partners. In practice, this includes improving water management in flood-prone areas, strengthening local tax systems and developing policies that respond to the needs of both host communities and displaced people.

By strengthening how local governments operate, SDLG contributes to more effective public services and communities that are more resilient in times of change.

Video

A short explainer video to show what SDLG is all about (with French subtitles).

About the programme

SDLG is part of a long-standing strategic partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and VNG International. This successful collaboration has been in place for more than 20 years. Across different countries and themes, the programme is guided by one shared goal: “To empower local governments and their representative bodies to shape a more sustainable future for their communities”.

SDLG focuses on 4 thematic priorities:

• Security & Rule of Law
• Migration & Displacement
• Own Source Revenue & Local Economic Development
• Water Management

The programme is active in 16 countries: Algeria, Benin, Burundi, Ethiopia, Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, occupied Palestinian territory, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, Uganda and Ukraine.

Themes per country

In addition to the thematic objective, each country programme also has its specific objective, which is as follows:

SDLG Algeria Programme (SRoL)

This programme supports Algeria in its decentralisation reforms. It focuses on stronger local governance, sustainable territorial development and more citizen participation. This will be achieved by promoting local governance and sustainable development within the Ministry of Interior (MICLAT) and by empowering local governments to take on new roles as key development actors.

SDLG Benin Programme (Water)

In the Basse Vallée de l’Ouémé, 5 municipalities face growing risks from flooding and climate change. This programme helps local governments strengthen water management and improve community resilience. It supports local authorities, water management bodies and communities to better understand their roles, mobilise funding and manage water infrastructure. This includes early warning systems for floods, combining local monitoring, mobile alerts and community response structures.

SDLG Burundi Programme (SRoL)

In cooperation with the Association of Burundi Communes, this programme strengthens the legal and financial position of local governments and supports more transparent leadership. It also contributes to improved local revenue systems, enabling municipalities to finance development plans and deliver basic services more effectively.

SDLG Ethiopia Programme (OSR)

The programme supports the Ministry of Finance in implementing a new property tax system. By bringing together stakeholders from national, regional and local levels, the programme develops regulations, tools and shared approaches. This supports consistent and effective implementation.

SDLG Iraq Programme (Migration)

In Kurdistan and Nineveh, the focus is on improving services for host communities and displaced people. Support covers (solid/medical) waste and composting, water, Local Economic Development (LED), local administration and citizen engagement. Concrete results include improved water supply systems in villages, providing thousands of people with access to clean water and investments in waste treatment such as composting facilities that generate local income.

SDLG Kenya Programme (Migration)

Kenya is moving towards a new and innovative integrated settlement approach, whereby refugees and host communities can more closely coexist and share common services. The programme strengthens the role of local governments, improves cooperation with national authorities and clarifies responsibilities. At the same time, counties are supported to improve service delivery and local economic development, using tools that promote participation and accountability.

SDLG Lebanon Programme (Migration)

In Lebanon, activities focus on helping local governments respond to migration challenges and strengthen social cohesion. This is achieved amongst others through enhancing municipal services and revenue via digitalisation, empowering civil society through Active Citizenship Labs to advocate for inclusive agendas and training diverse groups in local governance for next-generation resilience.

SDLG Mali Programme (SRoL)

The programme supports local authorities to prevent and manage conflict in a non-violent and inclusive way. For example, municipalities work together in intercommunal alliances to address conflicts over land and water, using participatory planning with citizens to rebuild trust and reduce tensions.

SDLG Mozambique Programme (OSR & Water)

Building on earlier work in land administration, this programme strengthens local revenue systems. In practice, municipalities such as Beira and Chimoio collaborate on digital tax systems and urban mapping. This improves revenue collection and helps municipalities invest in better services. 

In Beira, the programme strengthens drainage systems with sustainable solutions to reduce flood risks. It supports the Beira Autonomous Sanitation Unit through capacity building, better planning and donor coordination, while working with local communities in 4 pilot neighbourhoods.

SDLG Palestine Programme (SRoL & OSR)

In marginalised rural communities in Area C, the programme strengthens the resilience of local governments by improving how they plan, deliver services and engage with citizens. It combines participatory urban planning with stronger data use. Municipalities improve property data management and use this information to plan services such as water and waste more effectively, while also increasing local revenues. By linking inclusive planning with better data and service delivery, the programme helps build trust between municipalities and communities and supports more stable and equitable development.

SDLG Somalia Programme (SRoL)

This programme aims to foster inclusive local economic development by encouraging collaboration between local governments, youth and marginalized groups in Garowe and Qardho, ultimately strengthening the social contract between the government and communities. Local governments that are better able to fulfil their mandate in promoting Inclusive LED (ILED) will gain greater trust from people, thereby strengthening the social contract. In the long term, this will lead to increased legitimate stability.

SDLG South Sudan Programme (SRoL & Water)

In Eastern Equatoria, the programme supports communities to prevent and resolve water-related conflicts in a non-violent and inclusive way, strengthening local resilience and cooperation. In Bor County, the focus is on improving flood management and local governance. Early warning systems, disaster preparedness and planning are strengthened, alongside more transparent and inclusive decision-making.

SDLG Syria Programme (Migration)

The fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 marks a turning point for Syria, bringing both opportunities and urgent challenges. This 14‑month pilot programme (2025–2026) supports local administrations in restoring basic services, strengthening governance and creating conditions for safe, voluntary return. The focus is on early recovery, trust‑building and social cohesion in three municipalities in the rural Damascus region .

Read more about our pilot programme

SDLG Uganda Programme (SRoL, Migration & OSR)

In Uganda, the programme focuses on strengthening governance in a fragile context. For example, municipalities work together on improving local revenue systems and citizen engagement, including national-level exchanges where local governments share approaches to taxation and service delivery.

SDLG Ukraine Programme (SroL)

Following the full-scale invasion, the programme supports local governments in strengthening resilience and recovery. During Phase 1, communities developed recovery plans and implemented initial projects with support through training and exchange. Phase 2 builds on this by focusing on resilience, economic development and democratic governance, including stronger citizen participation.