The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has encouraged NGOs to come forward with proposals for projects in Faryab province of Afghanistan where Norway has a military presence. One purpose is to make Norwegian aid efforts more visible in the province. Researchers are skeptical about waving donor flags in areas of military engagement. Development Minister Erik Solheim has halted the decision process about the matter, awaiting advice from a group of state secretaries.

A recent Foreign Ministry study outlines the frustrations felt by the Swedish business community due to Sida’s shrinking contract volume and the limited entry points for the private sector into Swedish-financed development projects.

Epopa, case closed

Commenting on discussion surrounding possible Sida financing for the organic trade project EPOPA in Zambia, Maria Norrfalk confirms that Sida will not give the contract ...

When the Arab Initiative was launched by the Danish Foreign Ministry three years ago, its primary goals were to strengthen Denmark’s position in the Middle East and to support reform processes in the Arab world. In the wake of the cartoon controversy, the political ground has shifted. The Ministry concludes that the Arab Initiative will now have to contribute to rebuilding Denmark’s credibility in the region.

The World Bank is multiplying infrastructure investments in Africa. But has the Bank learned from its past mistakes? Development Today asked Katherine Sierra, Vice President for Infrastructure at the World Bank.

Sida is considering allocating SEK 80 million in co-financing with the Dutch government to strengthen the Asian Development Bank’s environmental work in the six countries of the so-called Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS).