AFD and European aid effectiveness: implementing the Code of Conduct
Better aid effectiveness and accountability is one of AFD’s objectives. The most effective way of achieving this is by scaling up partnerships with other development actors as defined in the 2007-2011 Strategic Orientation Plan.
AFD cofounded the Development Practitioners’ Network for European Development Cooperation with KFW which aims to strengthen coordination between European donors. One of the Network’s projects, led by AFD, is devoted to facilitate the implementation of the Code of Conduct.
Measures have also been taken to ensure orientations in the Code of Conduct are materialized in AFD activities. This will increase the harmonization of activities with other European donors:
- Financial planning for AFD operations: AFD will be adopting triennial planning for its financial commitments (the first period will be from 2009-2011). Country strategy reviews will integrate poverty reduction strategies of partner countries. Sectoral strategies will also be subject to triennial periods. This will consequently improve the coordination of financial planning with Commission delegations and other donors.
- Operational work in countries: AFD’s agencies in the field have been invited to facilitate the implementation of the Code’s guidelines in order to improve effectiveness. They engage upon a strategic dialogue and coordination with the European donor community in the field.
- Designing a “Cofinancing vademecum” : following AidCo’s dissemination of guidelines on the implementation of cofinancing, AFD designed a “Cofinancing vademecum”, a “notice” for AFD agencies in terms of partnerships with European Commission delegations. A guide on all instruments available for cofinancing and their integration into AFD’s own procedures is under preparation.
- Finally, in order to manage community funds, AFD underwent an audit of operational procedures following the example of other agencies (Germany’s technical cooperation (GTZ), the German development bank (KfW), the Austrian development agency (ADA) etc). Since May 2008 AFD has consequently been able to implement projects/programs on behalf of the Commission using its own procedures.
For AFD this recognition of the validity of its procedures by AidCo will provide a basis for furthering the mutual recognition of procedures amongst donors.
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Adapting French aid to the challenges of a changing world
The purpose of this brochure is to shed light on these issues by indicating the approach that will be taken by French development cooperation with regard to aid effectiveness.
Reflection documents
AFD has produced a reflection document which proposes to base the implementation of the Code of Conduct on principles and tools developed within the framework of the European Financing Partners mechanism.
Download the document (French version)
Download the document (English Version)