Development Co-operation Profiles

Other official providers not reporting to the OECD

Argentina

Introduction

International development co-operation is a component of Argentina’s foreign policy and promotes the country’s actions in line with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. As an upper middle-income country, a beneficiary of official development assistance (ODA), and a provider of technical co-operation through South-South and triangular co-operation, Argentina is committed to strengthening the effectiveness of co-operation and promote partnership mechanisms with various development actors. In 2019, Argentina hosted the Second High-Level United Nations Conference on South-South Co-operation (BAPA+40).

Argentina leverages its technical expertise to promote South-South and triangular co-operation primarily in Latin America. Still, it has some ongoing projects in Africa and Asia and has ambitions to expand its co-operation in these regions further. In 2022, Argentina created a dedicated international co-operation agency, the Argentinian International Co-operation and Humanitarian Assistance Agency (Agencia Argentina de Cooperación Internacional y Asistencia Humanitaria – Cascos Blancos, ACIAH), whose goal is to streamline its strategies towards co-operation and position Argentina as a leader in South-South and triangular co-operation modalities.

Policy

Argentina is an active member of the international community within the framework of South-South and triangular co-operation, which dates back to 1978 when it hosted the conference on South-South co-operation that resulted in the Action Plan for Buenos Aires (PABA ’78). This plan was renewed in 2019 at BAPA+40, which was also hosted in Buenos Aires. During 2021 and 2022, Argentina held the presidency of the High-Level United Nations Committee on South-South Co-operation and in 2023 was elected as Presidency for the first United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean Conference on South-South Co-operation. Argentina attended the DAC High Level Meeting in 2023 and the LAC-DAC Dialogues in 2019 and 2021.

Triangular project with Argentina, Germany, Kenya and Tanzania

In 2023, Argentina launched the project “Strengthening capacity development to improve the livestock systems of small farmers and contribute to agri-food sustainability in Kenya and Tanzania”.

This project is the first co-operation project with the United Republic of Tanzania and also the first regional initiative that Argentina and the German Agency for International Cooperation are carrying out jointly on the African continent.

The project aims to promote better nutrition for the populations of Kenya and Tanzania, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. It will be implemented by the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (SAGyP) and the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) of Argentina; the State Department of Livestock in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives of Kenya; the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KARLO); the Tanzania Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries; and the Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI).

The initiative is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and its implementation has the support of the German Agency for International Cooperation -Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, https://www.cancilleria.gob.ar/es/iniciativas/cooperacion-argentina/noticias/nuevo-proyecto-triangular-de-argentina-y-alemania-con.

Estimates of international development co-operation

According to OECD estimates, Argentina provided USD 1.5 million1 in bilateral support to developing countries in 2022, with active projects across Latin America, Africa and Asia, particularly in Argentina’s specific areas of expertise: agroindustry, science and technology, health, environment, security, justice, social development, and human rights.

Triangular co-operation

According to the Ibero-American Secretariat General’s (SEGIB, 2023) on South-South and triangular co-operation, Argentina was involved in 185 activities, including 24 triangular co-operation projects between 2020 and 2021.

Learn more about triangular co-operation and Argentina’s number of projects through the OECD’s voluntary triangular co-operation project repository. Argentina is a member of the Global Partnership Initiative on Effective Triangular Co-operation.

Institutional set-up

Argentina’s international co-operation comes under the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Worship, whose function is to plan, develop and co-ordinate its national policy towards international co-operation. The 2030 Agenda guides the development of Argentina’s international co-operation policies. The ACIAH is a government agency that co-ordinates and implements co-operation activities, manages development projects, conducts monitoring and evaluation assessments, and supports multilateral efforts with international organisations.

Cascos Blancos (White Helmets) falls within the remit of the ACIAH and is an agency attached to the ministry that designs and executes actions in humanitarian aid, emergency response and disaster risk management. It aims to uphold the commitments of the Sendai Framework (2015-2030) and contributes to Argentina’s efforts towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. It has been operational since 1995 and relies heavily on volunteers to carry out its activities, actions and projects.

Cooperación Argentina was created in 2022 and also falls within the remit of the ACIAH as an agency attached to the ministry that co-ordinates the activities and implementation of South-South and triangular co-operation projects. Before the creation of Cooperación Argentina, the Argentine Fund for International Co-operation (Fondo Argentino de Cooperación Internacional, FO-AR) was used as a key instrument to implement its co-operation strategy. FO-AR was created in 1992 and has been the platform through which Argentina shares its capacities and technical expertise in South-South and triangular co-operation. It continues to be an integral part of Argentina’s international co-operation strategy.

Additional resources

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship: https://www.cancilleria.gob.ar/es/cooperacion-argentina-todas-las-noticias

ACIAH: https://www.cancilleria.gob.ar/es/agencia-argentina-de-cooperacion-internacional-y-asistencia-humanitaria-cascos-blancos/funciones (in Spanish).

Cascos Blancos (White Helmets): https://cancilleria.gob.ar/userfiles/ut/cascos_blancos_-_brochure_2021_-_espanol_-_english.pdf.

ECLAC (2023), First Meeting of the Regional Conference on South-South Cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean – Briefing Note, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, https://www.cepal.org/en/notes/first-meeting-regional-conference-south-south-cooperation-latin-america-and-caribbean.

FO-AR: https://cancilleria.gob.ar/es/iniciativas/cooperacion-argentina/foar.

Multilateral co-operation: https://cancilleria.gob.ar/es/iniciativas/cooperacion-argentina/cooperacion-multilateral.

SEGIB (2023). Informe de la Cooperación Sur-Sur y Triangular en Iberoamérica 2022, Ibero-American Secretariat General, Madrid, https://www.segib.org/wp-content/uploads/Mensajes-principales-Informe2022_ES.pdf (in Spanish).

Argentina is Adherent to the OECD Recommendation of the Council for Development Co-operation Actors on Managing the Risk of Corruption and the OECD Recommendation of the Council on Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas.

China (People’s Republic of)

Introduction

The People’s Republic of China (hereafter “China”) has been providing development assistance for decades. It initially focused on technical assistance and South‑South co-operation, taking on a low profile in terms of foreign policy priorities. However, with the establishment of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) in 2018, the domestic aid governance model reflects a dedicated role of China as a provider of development co-operation, coupled with a more assertive foreign policy and the ambition of global reach of China’s development co-operation.

Policy

In January 2021, China’s State Council published a new white paper “China’s international development cooperation in the new era”, which commits to supporting the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, notably poverty reduction, food security, healthcare, quality education, gender equality, infrastructure, sustainable and innovative-driven economic growth, and environmental protection. The white paper stresses two pillars: 1) “foreign aid”, co-ordinated by CIDCA and mainly concessional loans; and 2) “international development co-operation”, which includes non-concessional loans and economic co‑operation under the Belt and Road Initiative. China also issued Measures for the Administration of Foreign Aid in 2021.

Since 2021, China has been advancing a new “Global Development Initiative” (GDI). To date, according to Chinese statements, more than 50 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI and more than 100 countries have expressed their support. In June 2022, the Center for International Knowledge on Development released a Global Development Report for the GDI (CIKD, 2022). According to the report, “the GDI offers Chinese solutions to the questions of our times, to making the post COVID-19 world a better place for everyone, and to building a community with a shared future for mankind” (CIKD, 2022: 35). In January 2023, China formally inaugurated the Global Development Promotion Center Network (GDPCN) under the CIDC. In the concept note for the virtual launch, CIDCA stressed the GDPCN aimed to: establish a highly efficient contact mechanism; promote joint actions through consultations; generate intellectual support for development; and work together to create a multi-layer publicity platform.

China announces a new development co-operation statistical system

China announced a new data/reporting strategy in the “Measures for the Administration of Foreign Aid”

The platform launched by CIDCA in December 2021 focuses on reporting from companies on self-financed funds for foreign construction projects, donations, technical assistance, training, volunteering and capacity building. The initial reporting period was from 2019 to 2020. The platform is not yet a hub that gathers information from all government agencies in China involved in foreign aid. CIDCA conducted the first training session on how to use the platform on 14 January 2022. It was attended by representatives from the China International Contractors Association, China International Chamber of Commerce for the Private Sector, the Chinese Academy for International Trade and Economic Cooperation, and companies and social organisations. The platform aims to gather non-state aid data. However, the Development Assistance Committee (and other international observers) had been expecting that it would collect data on all forms of China’s official aid.

Source: Schwarz and Rudyak (2023).

Estimates of international development co-operation

According to OECD estimates, in 2022, China’s bilateral international development co-operation amounted to USD 3.1 billion, a stable volume compared to 2021.2

Triangular co-operation

China engages in triangular co-operation and has a strategic policy for engaging in the modality, elaborated in the white paper “China’s international development cooperation in the new era”. Its focus is on tripartite projects where China can contribute with its domestic experiences, enhancing policy dialogue and knowledge exchange, and advancing co-operation with international organisations. The white paper indicates a strong focus on agriculture and public health.

Learn more about triangular co-operation.

Institutional set-up

As a key national entity, CIDCA3 is in charge of formulating strategic guidelines, plans and policies for foreign aid; drafting country-specific aid policies; co‑ordinating and selecting foreign aid projects; signing foreign aid agreements with recipients; and oversight and evaluating projects. CIDCA has embraced some of the responsibilities and functions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce (the Department of Aid to Foreign Countries and part of the Department of Outward Investment and Economic Cooperation). CIDCA is not intended to be an implementing agency, but it is expected to design strategies, plans and policies for China’s foreign aid and evaluate its implementation. In April 2021, Mr. Zhaohui Luo was appointed Chairman of CIDCA.

Project implementation is done mainly by the Ministry of Commerce’s subordinate agencies and specialised line ministries. The Ministry of Commerce is responsible for implementing the largest part of Chinese foreign aid projects, including turnkey, technical assistance, and material and human resource projects. It also manages the accreditation and selection of Chinese companies to implement foreign aid projects.

Additional resources

China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA): en.cidca.gov.cn

CIDCA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce (2021), New Measures for the Administration of Foreign Aid by CIDCA, MFA and MOFCOM, china-aid-blog.com/2021/09/01/407

CIKD (2022), Global Development Report, Center for International Knowledge on Development, www.cikd.org/ms/file/getimage/1538692307220475905

Government of China (2021), “China’s international development cooperation in the new era”, white paper, State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China, en.cidca.gov.cn/2021-01/10/c_581228.htm

Schwarz, R. and M. Rudyak (2023), “China’s development co-operation”, OECD Development Co-operation Working Papers, No. 113, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/2bbe45d2-en

China has been one of the OECD’s five Key Partners since 2007.

China is an Adherent to the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.

India

Introduction

India’s approach to development co-operation is embedded in its foreign policy and stresses solidarity with developing countries. India’s development co-operation uses multiple instruments, including grants, lines of credit, and capacity building and technical assistance. Its areas of focus range from commerce to culture, energy to engineering, health to housing projects, information technology to infrastructure, sports to science, and disaster relief and humanitarian assistance to restoration and preservation of cultural and heritage assets.

In 2023, India held the presidency of the Group of Twenty (G20) and advanced collective G20 actions to strengthen contributions to the 2030 Agenda, which included the G20 2023 Action Plan on Accelerating Progress on the SDGs and the G20 High Level Principles on Lifestyles for Sustainable Development.

Policy

While India focused for quite some time exclusively on South-South co-operation, Prime Minister Modi is also prioritising triangular co-operation and global development co-operation efforts, including on financing for sustainable development. India is collaborating on development co-operation with France, Germany, Japan, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States, and has a new partnership with the European Union on bringing connectivity to Africa and Central Asia. India’s development co-operation programmes focus on Africa and CLMV countries (Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar and Viet Nam) and include a capacity-building and technical co-operation programmes.

Sectors of priority for India’s development co-operation, which involves 154 countries, are agricultural development and energy and electricity grids for rural areas. India’s co-operation goes beyond government-to-government co-operation to include civil society organisations. India’s development co-operation aims to be demand-driven, mutually beneficial and ensure local ownership. It aims to create co-operation programmes without conditionality, building partnerships that are governed by mutual respect, diversity, care for the future and sustainable development.

During its G20 Presidency in 2023, India worked to advance global development co-operation through the concepts of “Lifestyles for Sustainable Development” and “Life Economies”. India launched a new Global Alliance for Life Economies Research & Innovation, which is advancing these concepts.

Example of India’s international development co-operation: Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme

The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, which started in 1964, is a capacity-building partnership with over 160 partner countries. The programme facilitates the provision of advanced training in emerging areas of interest, such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, cybersecurity and forensics, in partnership with prestigious Indian institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology, the Indian Institute of Science and the Indian Institute of Management. The broad areas of interest include agriculture, education, investment, energy, South-South co-operation, the environment and climate change, urban planning, women’s empowerment, small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurship, rural development and poverty alleviation, government function, health and yoga, food and fertiliser, textile, and trade and international market, among others.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2024).

Estimates of international development co-operation

The OECD estimates that India’s bilateral development co-operation reached USD 858.73 million4 in 2022, down from USD 1.03 billion in 2021. Importantly, this amount does not include lines of credit from India to developing countries because the EXIM Bank provides them and also contributes to India’s trade development.5

The Indian think tank Research and Information System (RIS) estimated6 that India partnered with developing countries with a total budget of USD 7.66 billion in 2022. RIS also estimated that USD 788 million was extended as development assistance in 2022.

Triangular co-operation

India’s triangular co-operation is evolving, and engagement with the OECD and Development Assistance Committee members is increasing. An example of this is a Joint Declaration of Intent signed in May 2022 by the German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Indian Minister of External Affairs to strengthen their triangular partnerships. RIS India collects data on India’s triangular co‑operation initiatives. A joint RIS India-OECD publication highlights the importance of Indian civil society organisations in implementing this co-operation modality.

Learn more about triangular co-operation.

Institutional set-up

The Ministry of External Affairs plays a pivotal role in the delivery of development co-operation, notably through its Development Partnership Administration (DPA). India’s development co-operation is delivered through various mechanisms and channels for engaging with developing countries, including the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, the Special Commonwealth Assistance Programme for Africa, and bilateral development assistance to neighbouring and other developing countries. Various Indian ministries, institutions and programmes are also involved in development co-operation and implement projects.

The DPA, created in 2012, co-ordinates India’s bilateral development co‑operation in close collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs’ regional divisions. It manages grants and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, and has four pillars:

• DPA-I deals with project appraisal for the Lines of Credit Programme and loans on concessional terms to developing countries, falling under the Ministry of Finance’s Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme. DPA-I handles all lines of credit modalities and projects in Africa, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka, as well as housing projects.

• DPA-II focuses on technical co-operation. It manages the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, which focuses on capacity building and training of defence personnel and civilian training under the Colombo Plan for Cooperative and Economic Social Development in Asia and the Pacific, established in 1964. The programme offers customised courses as well as humanitarian assistance. DPA-II also co-ordinates South-South co-operation initiatives and other multilateral development co-operation matters, including co-ordination with international development agencies.

• DPA-III manages bilateral grants to Afghanistan, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka for infrastructure (except housing projects), education and health. It also supports community-based and community-driven projects in these countries.

• DPA-IV includes a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief procurement cell.

The Ministry of Finance manages multilateral assistance and exercises administrative oversight for concessional loans and lines of credit provided by the EXIM Bank.

Additional resources

Ministry of External Affairs (2022), Annual Report 2021-22, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, www.mea.gov.in/Uploads/PublicationDocs/34894_MEA_Annual_Report_English.pdf

Ministry of External Affairs (2023), “Development partnerships”, www.mea.gov.in/development-partnership.htm

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2024), Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, https://www.itecgoi.in/index

Chaturvedi, S. (2021), “Why India needs an international development cooperation agency”, The Indian Express, indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-india-needs-an-international-development-cooperation-agency-7582421

South Africa

Introduction

South Africa’s African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF) emphasises co-operation with the African continent through promoting democracy, good governance, the prevention and resolution of conflict, socio-economic development and integration, humanitarian assistance, and human resource development. The ARF focuses on South-South and triangular co-operation projects with African countries, notably Southern African Development Community members. It also provides loans and/or other financial assistance. South Africa provides its bilateral development co-operation mainly through technical co‑operation.

South Africa is a member of the Group of Twenty (G20) and advocates for a more substantial role of the G20 in support of the 2030 Agenda, notably through the G20 Development Working Group and its focus on localising the Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing G20 actions towards the 2030 Agenda. South Africa co-chairs the Total Official Support for Sustainable Development (TOSSD) Task Force.

Policy

The ARF was established by the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund Act, 2000 (Act 51 of 2000). The law was amended in 2023. South Africa’s development co-operation is guided by the ARF’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025 and Annual Performance Plan 2022-2023, which outlines seven key areas of focus that align with the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. These areas of focus include: 1) promotion of democracy and good governance; 2) prevention and resolution of conflict; 3) support to socio-economic development and integration 4) provision of humanitarian assistance; 5) human resource development; 6) co-operation between South Africa and other countries, in particular African countries; and 7) effective management of resources through sound administration and good governance.

South Africa held the chairmanship of the African Union in 2020 when it prioritised peace and security; economic development; and continental integration through the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, infrastructure development to facilitate continental free trade, advancing the economic empowerment of women, and support for good governance and democracy.

The ARF participated in the first Global Meeting of Development Co-operation providers in February 2023 and the 2023 DAC High Level Meeting.

South Africa’s development co-operation and participation in multilateral fora

South Africa promotes South-South and triangular co-operation through multilateral fora, such as the BRICS (Brazil, Russian Federation, India, the People’s Republic of China and South Africa); the Indian Ocean Rim Association; the India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) Forum; and the African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.

The IBSA Fund for the Alleviation of Poverty and Hunger, managed by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, helps strengthen South-South and triangular co-operation through a steady flow of resources. The fund has undertaken a range of projects in 21 partner countries. Since its inception in 2006, the IBSA Fund has disbursed USD 36 million in financial contributions.

Source: DIRCO (n.d.), Strategic Plan 2020-2025, https://dirco.gov.za/2020-2025-strategic-plan/.

Estimates of international development co-operation

According to OECD estimates, South Africa’s bilateral international development co-operation reached USD 31.5 million in 2022, down from USD 34 million in 2021.7

According to the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund Strategy Plan 2020-2025, between 2015 and 2020, 49% of the ARF’s allocations were directed to humanitarian assistance-related support, 9% to democracy and good governance, and 4% to conflict resolution. The plan indicates a downward trend in fiscal allocations to various government departments, including the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), foreseeing the need to prioritise its allocations and maximise the impact of its interventions.

Triangular co-operation

South Africa engages in triangular co-operation, partnering with several Development Assistance Committee members, such as Canada, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United States, to support other African countries in areas such as governance, public security and post-conflict reconstruction. South Africa is a member of the Global Partnership Initiative on Effective Triangular Co-operation.

Learn more about triangular co-operation.

Institutional set-up

DIRCO is responsible for strategy and foreign policy formulation, while line ministries are involved in the implementation of development co‑operation projects. The African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund is housed in DIRCO.

The National Treasury co-ordinates incoming official development assistance and disburses funds for outgoing co-operation. DIRCO and National Treasury officials are on the ARF Advisory Committee. South Africa’s development co-operation structures may change when South Africa establishes a development co-operation agency under DIRCO.

Additional resources

DIRCO Department of International Relations and Cooperation: www.dirco.gov.za/legislative-and-other-mandates

DIRCO (2023), Annual Report 2022-23, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Pretoria, dirco.gov.za/2022-2023-annual-report-of-the-department-of-international-relations-and-cooperation

DIRCO (n.d), African Renaissance and International Co-operation Fund (ARF) Strategic Plan 2020-2025 & Annual Performance Plan 2020-2021 Revised, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Pretoria, dirco.gov.za/african-renaissance-and-international-cooperation-fund-arf-strategic-plan-2020-2025-and-annual-performance-plan-2020-2021-revised

South Africa is an Adherent to the OECD Recommendation of the Council for Development Co-operation Actors on Managing the Risk of Corruption and the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.

Since 2007, South Africa has been one of the OECD’s five Key Partners.

Notes

← 1.  Source: Budget information from the “Instituto Nacional de la Administración Pública”.

← 2.  Based on data from the Chinese Ministry of Finance, available at: http://yss.mof.gov.cn/2022zyjs/202307/t20230714_3896499.htm. However, the data detail neither the scope of foreign assistance nor detailed information such as aid amount by recipient country or outline of specific projects. OECD estimates include data comparable to official development asisstance-like flows (“foreign aid”), which excludes concessional loans from China’s export credit agency. Scholars (Kitano and Miyabayashi) and AidData provide higher estimates, but their data cover previous reporting periods.

← 3.  In August 2021, China issued the Measures for the Administrations of Foreign Aid, which define the responsibilities and division of labour of the new CIDCA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce and other foreign aid implementation departments, as well as Chinese embassies and consulates abroad in the management of foreign aid.

← 4.  Estimates based on 36286_MEA_Annual_Report_2022_English_web.pdf.

← 5.  These estimates are conservative since the OECD cannot verify that such operations have the economic development and welfare of developing countries as their main objectives.

← 6.  See page 10 of Indian_Development_Coperation-75 yrs-NEW-PRINT-11-APRIL-2022-Web-1.pdf (ris.org.in).

← 7.  See DIRCO’s 2022-2023 Annual Report and 2021-2022 Annual Report.