How much aid goes to central Africa – Devex

Official Development Assistance to Central Africa (2019-2023): A Report on Contributions and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Regional Context and SDG Imperatives

The Central African region, a significant recipient of Official Development Assistance (ODA), faces complex challenges that impede progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The region, as classified by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), includes:

• Angola
• Cameroon
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Republic of Congo
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Gabon
• São Tomé and Príncipe

Persistent conflict and humanitarian crises in nations such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Cameroon, and Chad directly undermine efforts to achieve SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). These instabilities create significant needs for aid directed at foundational goals, including SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Furthermore, the region’s environmental significance as home to the Congo Basin, the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest, highlights the importance of development efforts that support SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

2.0 Analysis of ODA Flows (2019-2023)

This report analyzes ODA data from the OECD Creditor Reporting System and the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) for the period 2019-2023. All figures are presented in 2023 constant prices.

• Total ODA (2019-2023): The region received a total of $17.7 billion.
• 2023 ODA: A total of $3.7 billion was disbursed, representing a slight increase from $3.4 billion in 2022.

The consistency in aid levels reflects a sustained international commitment, crucial for long-term progress on the SDGs.

3.0 Leading Donor Contributions and SDG 17

The flow of ODA exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The top five bilateral donors in 2023 were:

1. United States: Contributed $1.7 billion (45.6% of total ODA), with a primary focus on the DRC, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic.
2. France: Contributed $680.5 million (18.5%), primarily allocated to Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, and Chad.
3. Germany: Contributed $361.5 million (9.8%), with the DRC and Cameroon as its largest recipients.
4. Sweden: Contributed $136.1 million, with a significant concentration on the DRC.
5. Belgium: Contributed $118.4 million, with the majority directed to the DRC.

4.0 Recipient Country Allocations

ODA distribution was concentrated in countries facing the most severe humanitarian and development challenges, reflecting a targeted approach to leaving no one behind.

1. Democratic Republic of Congo: Received nearly $2 billion, addressing complex crises that span multiple SDGs.
2. Cameroon: Received $572.1 million.
3. Chad: Received $323.1 million.
4. Central African Republic: Received $286.4 million.
5. Angola: Received $172.7 million.

5.0 Sectoral Funding and Key SDG Alignment

Funding allocations in 2023 were heavily skewed towards immediate life-saving interventions, while also supporting long-term development pillars.

1. Humanitarian Aid ($1.5 billion): This sector received the most funding, directly supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). The United States was the largest contributor ($1.1 billion), followed by Sweden and France.
2. Health ($405.1 million): Funding in this area is critical for advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Key donors included the United States, France, and Belgium.
3. Education ($351.7 million): Contributions to this sector support SDG 4 (Quality Education). France was the largest donor ($151.9 million), followed by Germany and the United States.

6.0 Implementing Partners and Aid Delivery

Analysis of IATI data, which includes private financing and other flows, indicates a total of $11 billion in aid. The primary implementing organizations demonstrate a multi-stakeholder approach to achieving the SDGs.

• Top Reporting Organizations:
  1. World Bank ($2.6 billion)
  2. United States Agency for International Development (USAID) ($1.5 billion)
  3. World Food Programme (WFP) ($877.3 million)
• Top Receiving Organizations:
  1. World Food Programme (WFP) ($1.6 billion)
  2. United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) ($548.9 million)
  3. Ministry of Finance of Angola ($500 million)

7.0 Future Outlook: Potential Impact of Funding Shifts on SDG Progress

A potential withdrawal of funding from the United States would significantly impact the region’s development trajectory. ODA would fall to approximately $2 billion annually. The humanitarian sector, vital for achieving SDG 1 and SDG 2, would be most affected, with funding potentially decreasing to $382.2 million. Similarly, progress on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) would be jeopardized. The ability of other donors to cover this shortfall remains a critical uncertainty for the continued advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Central Africa.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article directly connects to this goal by identifying the health sector as a major recipient of Official Development Assistance (ODA). It states that “The health sector followed with $405.1 million,” indicating that international aid is being channeled to address health issues in the Central African region.

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  This goal is addressed through the specific mention of funding for the education sector. The article notes that “Education is the third-most funded sector with $351.7 million,” highlighting the role of ODA in supporting educational systems and infrastructure in the recipient countries.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article extensively discusses the context of instability that necessitates aid, which is central to SDG 16. It describes the region as being “plagued by conflict and crises,” citing the “humanitarian crisis on top of escalating violence” in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a “displacement crisis” in Cameroon, and “rebel movements” in Chad. The largest portion of aid, humanitarian assistance, is a direct response to these challenges.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The entire article is fundamentally about SDG 17, as it analyzes the flow of Official Development Assistance (ODA), a key mechanism for international partnership. It details the financial contributions from donor countries like the United States, France, and Germany to the Central African region, examining the volume, sources, and allocation of aid, which are core components of global partnerships for sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.c: Substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training and retention of the health workforce in developing countries…

  The allocation of $405.1 million in ODA to the health sector, as mentioned in the article, is a direct contribution to increasing health financing in the Central African region. This funding supports the strengthening of health systems, which is the core objective of this target.

• Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.

  The $351.7 million provided to the education sector is a financial resource that enables countries to work towards this target. While the article does not specify how the funds are used, such ODA is typically allocated for improving educational infrastructure, resources, and access, all of which are components of Target 4.a.

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

  The article highlights that the “humanitarian aid sector received the most funding with $1.5 billion” precisely because of ongoing crises, violence, and conflict. This aid is a direct response to the consequences of failing to meet Target 16.1 and is aimed at protecting civilians and mitigating the human cost of violence and instability described in the article.

• Target 17.2: Developed countries to implement fully their official development assistance commitments…

  The article’s primary focus is tracking ODA flows from developed countries (the U.S., France, Germany, etc.) to the developing countries of Central Africa. By quantifying the total aid ($17.7 billion from 2019-2023) and breaking it down by donor, the article is analyzing the implementation of ODA commitments as described in this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 3.c:

  The article provides a clear, quantitative indicator of financial flows for health. The specific figure, “The health sector followed with $405.1 million,” serves as a direct measure of the ODA mobilized for health purposes in 2023.

• Indicator for Target 4.a:

  A direct financial indicator is provided for education. The statement that “Education is the third-most funded sector with $351.7 million” quantifies the total ODA contribution towards educational goals in the region for 2023.

• Indicator for Target 16.1:

  The article implies an indicator through the funding for humanitarian aid. The figure of “$1.5 billion” for the humanitarian sector is a proxy indicator for the scale of the crises and the international response required to address the impacts of conflict and violence.

• Indicator for Target 17.2 (related to official indicator 17.2.1: Net official development assistance…):

  The article is rich with data that serves as indicators for ODA flows. These include:

  • Total ODA received by the region from 2019-2023: “$17.7 billion.”
  • Total ODA received in 2023: “$3.7 billion.”
  • ODA from specific donors, such as the United States giving a total of “$1.7 billion” and France giving “$680.5 million.”

  These figures are the raw data used to measure and report on net ODA as a component of international cooperation.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: devex.com