Promotion of Anti-Corruption and Integrity through German Development Cooperation
Corruption is one of the biggest obstacles to sustainable development. Against this backdrop, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has been promoting transparency and integrity in partner countries for many years. DEval evaluates the extent to which the current approach of the BMZ is appropriate and effective in contributing to the reduction and prevention of corruption.
The evaluation examines the promotion of transparency, accountability and integrity through German development cooperation in partner countries. The BMZ’s current approach consists of two components: As a “quality criterion”, “anti-corruption and integrity” is to be firmly embedded throughout all aspects of German development cooperation. Secondly, the BMZ supports targeted measures to promote transparency and integrity, such as political reform processes or the modernization of public administration.
The evaluation assesses the implementation and potential impact of both components. The overarching question is: To what extent is the BMZ’s approach appropriate and effective in contributing to the prevention and reduction of corruption in German development cooperation partner countries? To answer this question, the evaluation follows the criteria of the OECD Development Assistance Committee and evaluates the relevance, coherence, efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability of efforts to promote anti-corruption.
Background
As one of the greatest obstacles to sustainable development, corruption limits partner countries’ domestic revenues, contributes to human rights violations, erodes citizens’ trust in state institutions and reduces incentives for investment. The international community has long recognized the importance of promoting transparency and integrity, as demonstrated by the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2003. The international commitment to combating corruption is also reflected in Sustainable Development Goal 16 (target 16.5).
German development cooperation is committed to promoting transparency and integrity in partner countries. Anti-corruption measures in partner countries are part of the core area strategy, “Peace and Inclusive Societies”. In March 2022, the BMZ adopted the “Anti-Corruption and Integrity” performance profile, which established binding guidelines on how to firmly integrate combating corruption as a “quality criterion” into all strategies, projects and activities.
Objectives
Conclusions and recommendations are drawn on how the BMZ can improve and strengthen its approach to promoting anti-corruption and integrity. The emphasis is on recommendations for the further development of the approach as well as for accountability concerning its potential impacts.
Methods
The evaluation follows a theory-based design. It analyzes two impact pathways, taking into account different contextual conditions: one pathway for mainstreaming anti-corruption and integrity, and another pathway for targeted measures in partner countries.
The evaluation design combines qualitative and quantitative methods. Based on seven case studies, context-specific insights are generated. Case studies are conducted in four countries – Ethiopia, Colombia, Moldova and Indonesia, followed by three remote case studies (Malawi, Morocco, and another country from the MENA-region). Cross-country portfolio analyses, online surveys with representatives from implementing organizations, as well as a quantitative systematic literature review are designed to identify systematic patterns.
The evaluation will be accompanied by an academic advisory board and a civil society advisory board representing organizations from the Global South.
Contact
Dr Marie-Sophie Heinelt
Phone: +49 (0)228 336907-313
E-mail: marie-sophie.heinelt@DEval.org
Dr Stefan Leiderer
Phone: +49 (0)228 336907-940
E-mail: stefan.leiderer@DEval.org