For the SDC, local economic development is not just an economic matter but a cooperative approach which provides an excellent tool for bringing together different interest groups to agree on local cooperation that can help create jobs and income, in addition to improving governance.

SDC focus

Moreover, local economic development can also strengthen governance at national level. In countries like Kosovo or Burkina Faso, the SDC conducts local economic development activities which have been implemented simultaneously in several towns. This has enabled municipalities (or rather territories, because each town has close links with its peri-urban and rural hinterland) to exchange information and experience that are specific to them. This has led to better cooperation among local authorities and thus added weight to the local dimension in dialogue with central government.

Background

Local economic development brings together various stakeholders from civil society, as well as the public and private sectors. Its goal is to promote cooperation so as to develop a given area. Cooperation is a key factor in governance. Local economic development (LED) triggers a political process in which the protagonists have to negotiate the priorities bearing in mind the limited human and financial resources at their disposal.

Forces that drive the economy

Economic considerations drive the private sector. Cooperation on creating public goods, such as improved framework conditions for investment, calls for a private-public collaboration that is built into concrete projects ("We'll build the road, and you'll build the factory. You tell us what's not right about the investment climate, and we'll put it right."). In this way, combined LED efforts create new business prospects. The public sector needs the private sector for local economic development.

In virtually every country, it is the private sector that creates most jobs and generates income, and jobs and income are a priority for the public sector's customers and voters. Poverty reduction and – perhaps more important for a civil servant – re-election of the mayor and his staff depend on the generation of income.

Governance as a process

Civil society, like local associations, should also be part of planning and implementing development projects in which the economic dimension is obviously not the only issue at stake. The State and local government do not cover all the ground. So the three stakeholder groups – the public and private sectors and civil society – negotiate and cooperate on the basis of concrete information derived from evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the local economy, as well as the opportunities and risks involved. This dynamic exchange between partners improves governance at local level.

Current projects

Object 301 – 312 of 971

Stay, Deliver and Protect (SDP)

01.01.2019 - 31.12.2022

Afghanistan continues to face a protracted humanitarian crisis. Armed conflict results in large-scale population displacements and a high number of civilian casualties. Insecurity causes significant challenges to humanitarian access and responses, especially where they are needed most. "Stay, Deliver and Protect" aims to facilitate humanitarian access and to promote protection of education, protection of civilians, psychosocial support and humanitarian coordination in conflict-affected communities.


Fondation Kantha Bopha – Dr med. Beat Richner

01.01.2019 - 31.12.2021

25 years of Dr Richner’s tireless efforts resulted in millions of children receiving free quality medical care at Kantha Bopha Hospitals. Despite his retirement early 2017, the five hospitals are operating smoothly with the management model he set up and the commitment of the Royal Government of Cambodia to maintain it. SDC’s financial support remains crucial until a sustainable Cambodian financing is found.


Gestión integral del agua

01.01.2019 - 31.12.2022

In Bolivia, Switzerland has been supporting the Ministry of the Environment and Water in improving integrated water and watershed management for several years. In this last phase of the project, support is given to the consolidation and implementation of the “Plan Nacional de Cuencas” (National Watershed Plan) to ensure water security and increase the climate resilience of vulnerable populations. Consolidation includes better coordination among various state levels, sectors and institutions and the systematization and capitalization of experiences and results.


SPHERE Project 2019-2021

01.01.2019 - 31.12.2021

Since 1997, Sphere, as a network and as a global community, brings together a diverse range of humanitarian actors, including focal points, trainers, members and other users around a common goal, which is to improve outcomes for people affected by crisis, conflict and disaster and having the right to receive the best quality of principled and accountable humanitarian assistance wherever and whenever crisis strikes.


Social Accountability Programme 2019 - 2022

01.01.2019 - 31.12.2022

Against the backdrop of shrinking civic space in Tanzania, the Social Accountability Program supports four key accountability Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the country. It aims to enhance transparency and accountability of public resource management at national and local level and to empower citizens – including youth and women - and local organizations to engage effectively in public oversight, decision making and advocacy on social issues of concern.


Festival del Film Locarno 2019-2021

01.01.2019 - 31.12.2021

The promotion of cultural diversity is anchored in the Swiss Constitution as part of sustainable development. Switzerland’s support of artists from Africa, Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe is contributing to diversity in the analysis of social issues ensuring fundamental values in a democratic system. SDC’s partnership with the Locarno Festival supports independent filmmaking through the special Section Open Doors. Participants from Southeast Asia gain visibility, networks, knowledge, and opportunities for film production.


Participation citoyenne et prévention des conflits dans la région des Grands Lacs (PCPC)

01.01.2019 - 31.12.2029

Les conflits récurrents dans la région des Grands Lacs ont des conséquences néfastes sur les systèmes de gouvernance et sur le bien-être des populations. Il est dans l’intérêt de la Suisse de contribuer à une paix durable et à la stabilité dans la région. Le projet renforcera ainsi les mécanismes formels et informels de prévention et de gestion des conflits communautaires, par la promotion des droits de l’homme, de la redevabilité sociale et du dialogue inclusif. Des partenariats engageront les autorités et différents acteurs de la société civile, en priorité dans les régions transfrontalières.


Multi-Donor civil society support program in Rwanda

01.01.2019 - 31.12.2021

The program aims at strengthening the capacity of Rwanda civil society to engage constructively with the Government on policy, planning and monitoring issues. It will improve a bottom-up dialogue and consultation mechanisms and promote the use of evidence in policy making for an effective implementation of the National Strategy for Transformation. The project is in line with Switzerland’s approach of fostering civic participation in Rwanda.


SDC Education Fund

01.01.2019 - 31.12.2022

As part of its increased commitment for Education and of the implementation of SDC’s Education Strategy, the SDC launches an Education Fund in order to incentivize innovation and the application of new approaches in basic education/vocational skills development and through educational activities across sectors. Innovation can have a catalytic effect on the effectiveness of programmes in and through education. Education is a core enabler for sustainable development and is an important lever in Switzerland’s commitment to promote human and economic development, peace and stability. 


Contribution au Club du Sahel et de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CSAO)

01.01.2019 - 31.12.2022

L’Afrique de l’Ouest est confrontée à d’énormes défis : insécurité alimentaire chronique, pauvreté élevée, insécurités, emplois des jeunes, extrémisme violent etc. Le Club du Sahel et de l’Afrique de l’Ouest est une plateforme internationale unique qui nourrit par ses analyses et ses recommandations la prise de décision des acteurs politiques et de développement de la région afin de mieux traiter ces défis. L’appui de la DDC contribuera ainsi à la sécurité alimentaire et la stabilité de la région



Regional Economic Development Program, Cambodia

01.01.2019 - 31.12.2021

The Regional Economic Development (RED IV) program, co-financed by Switzerland and Germany, will be implemented in three north-western provinces of Cambodia. It aims at strengthening the capacity of sub-national and local governments to tackle economic development measures and supporting rural poor, in particular women, to increase their income and actively participate in local economic development, thereby reducing poverty of the rural population.

Object 301 – 312 of 971