A DELEGATION from the United Kingdom’s Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) has arrived in Zimbabwe to begin work on a global review assessing how it partners with countries on development issues.
The review will examine whether UK aid to Zimbabwe is delivering measurable development results, aligning with national priorities and providing value for money, as Britain reconfigures its international development approach.
The visit by ICAI, which includes chief commissioner Jillian Popkins and independent researchers, marks the start of evidence-gathering in Zimbabwe as part of a broader review of the UK’s bilateral development partnerships.
According to a statement issued yesterday, the review will look at how the UK combines aid funding, policy influence and expertise with partner countries to maximise both impact and value for money, with Zimbabwe as one of three case study countries.
“We are delighted to be in Zimbabwe,” Popkins said in a statement.
“Our work here will help us to understand the UK’s partnerships on the ground and gather valuable evidence to inform the UK government’s new approach to development.
“Zimbabwe plays an important role in this global review. We look forward to engaging with government, civil society and development partners to help ensure the UK’s development efforts support country priorities and deliver long-term benefits for communities.”
ICAI is an independent public body established in May 2011 to scrutinise British Official Development Assistance (ODA), the aid budget the UK directs to international development programmes.
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Its mandate is to provide independent evaluation of the impact, effectiveness and value for money of UK aid, reporting its findings directly to the UK Parliament’s International Development Committee.
Although administratively sponsored by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, ICAI operates independently and carries out well-evidenced thematic reviews on strategic issues in UK aid spending.
These reviews draw on field visits, data analysis and interviews with governments, NGOs and other stakeholders to assess how UK funds are being used and whether programmes achieve intended development outcomes.
ICAI’s work is seen as a key part of parliamentary oversight of UK aid, intended to ensure accountability to British taxpayers and to inform government policy.
Its reviews have covered a wide range of topics over the years, from humanitarian responses to climate finance and governance issues, and have shaped both public debate and official policy adjustments.
