Aid strategies

AusAID uses strategies to plan how and where we spend aid money and effort. Good strategies show an understanding of the area in which we are working, what goals we want to achieve over time (usually around five years), what we need to do to achieve our goals, and how we assess whether we have achieved them or not.

AusAID develops strategies for:

individual countries, such as Papua New Guinea or Cambodia
particular issues that cross national boundaries or concern regional organisations or a whole region, such as East Asia or the Pacific
our international efforts related to particular topics, such as health, humanitarian, or working with non-government organisations.

Country strategies

Country strategies describe why the Australian Government is supporting development in particular countries. These strategies clearly state the shared development achievements to which Australia will contribute, in combination with the partner country’s own resources and efforts. Country strategies typically last five years. The progress and effectiveness of strategies are assessed, mutually agreed and published with the partner country.

How AusAID develops country strategies

Based on the principles of mutual responsibility and respect, each strategy is nearly always jointly developed with the partner country.

Work begins on the next strategy before the end of an existing strategy's term. The process involves extensive consultation:

in the partner country—with government, civil society and non-government organisations, business/industry groups and other experts
in Australia—with other government agencies, non-government organisations, research organisations and subject-matter experts
with other bilateral and multilateral donors, international development organisations, and international experts and research organisations.

This consultation helps us to determine how we can best contribute to development in a country or region.

There are many constraints to development and each strategy is periodically reviewed with the partner country to ensure that it remains on track and relevant. Mutually agreed actions can then be taken to maximise the effectiveness and contribution of Australian aid to the partner country’s development.

AusAID welcomes public interest in its strategies and their development. Email us for more information.

Country strategies being developed in 2010–2011

2010

Bangladesh (October)
Cambodia (July)
Caribbean (September)
China (September)
Iraq (September)
Marshall Islands (August)
Micronesia (August)
Pacific Regional (date TBC)
Pakistan (August)
Palau (August)
Philippines (September)

2011

Burma
Cook Islands
India
Latin America
Middle East and Palestinian Territories
Nepal
Niue
South Asia Regional
Sri Lanka

Last reviewed: 30 June, 2010