In its capstone FY 2024 progress report, USAID has outlined strides in promoting localization, emphasizing the importance of local actors and strengthening local systems. Under the leadership of Administrator Power, these efforts build on previous initiatives and lay the groundwork for continued progress under the next Administration, which is expected to prioritize localization with its own unique approach.
USAID has set ambitious targets to direct 25% of its funding to local partners by FY 2025 and to ensure that 50% of its programs allow local actors to lead in various aspects by 2030. The report reveals that USAID provided $2.1 billion directly to local partners, including $1.9 billion to non-governmental and private sector partners and $169 million to partner country governments. This marks a slight increase from the average 9.5% since data tracking began in 2012.
In FY 2024, USAID began tracking the incorporation of local leadership across project lifecycle phases: design, implementation, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL). The Locally Led Programs indicator measures the use of 10 good practices in these phases. The report notes progress, with 35% of activities meeting the criteria for the Locally Led Programs indicator by using at least one good practice in each phase. Over 75% of qualifying activities used at least one good practice, with higher usage during implementation (64%) compared to design (48%) and MEL (56%).
The FY 2024 report reflects positive momentum, supported by policy frameworks, strategic planning, additional staff, and a global consensus. Development opinion holders agree that localization will continue under the new Administration, albeit within their own strategic framework. Progress in localization will serve as a barometer for the next Administration’s success in adopting new approaches to development.
Read the Report here.