Written evidence submitted by BDO LLP

Subject: Future of UK Aid Development Assistance

BDO LLP welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the call for evidence on the Future of UK Aid and Development Assistance. With over 40 years of experience in delivering overseas development assistance (ODA) programmes, including for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), our submission reflects our ongoing efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth effectively.

We have noted, and welcome, the shifts set out by the Minister for International Development for UK ODA and recommend that the International Development Committee endorses the following for the future of UK Aid:

 

  1. Mobilise Private Capital as a core tool for ODA Effectiveness: Our experience with FCDO's Manufacturing Africa programme has demonstrated success in mobilising private capital to meet development objectives. This programme has facilitated substantial foreign direct investment, creating tens of thousands of jobs and showcasing an unparalleled return on investment. By providing targeted assistance to businesses receiving investment, it has been possible to make their activities more environmentally sustainable and more inclusive for women and girls.

 

  1. Support local economies to become growth oriented as a driver of long-term stability: Helping countries develop their economic systems will ultimately enable them to thrive without aid and enhance commercial ecosystems internationally, including for UK investors and industries. By supporting local economies to focus on growth, we can build sustainable global trade partnerships.

 

  1. Complementary International and Local Expertise for Effective Provision: In our experience, the combination of local knowledge and industry-specific expertise means ODA programming and delivery can be contextually grounded while incorporating international best practice. Through BDO’s global network – made up of locally owned firms – we have been able to seamlessly deploy teams made up of both local and international experts. This approach ensures that local provision is supported effectively, and international and local expertise work in tandem to achieve development goals.

 

  1. Maximise Confidence in UK ODA’s achievement of intended purposes: With a reduced budget, it is more important than ever that UK ODA achieves value for money, and that achievement of its aims is supported by reliable evidence. FCDO would benefit from examining and mirroring the centralised mechanisms adopted by other ODA providers to obtain consistent, reliable assurance that expenditure has been applied to its intended purpose and with the expected benefits.

 

We appreciate the consideration of our submission and look forward to seeing how our inputs help inform the Government's approach to aid and development in the coming years.

 

 

Iain Nettleton             

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Partner             
BDO LLP
For and on behalf of BDO LLP

55 Baker Street

London W1U 7EU UNITED KINGDOM

 

 

 

 

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