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Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA)
UK - Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
To accelerate the transformation of developing countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions into a pipeline of bankable projects, which have the potential to attract investment at scale from the private sector. The CFA will achieve this by facilitating ‘transaction-oriented’ workshops, convening project developers, policy makers and capital market players from participant countries with UK-based green finance experts.
Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures programme
Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs
Defra has been one of the largest donors to the global, market-led, and science-based Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) initiative, providing £5,626,855 over 2021 - 2026. The TNFD recommendations and guidance empower organisations to assess, report, and act on their evolving nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities, with the ultimate aim of supporting a shift in global financial flows towards nature-positive outcomes and achieving the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Defra contributed £2,626,855 to support the TNFD initiative’s two-year open innovation ‘design and development’ phase, which culminated in the launch of the final TNFD corporate reporting recommendations on nature-related risk management and disclosure in September 2023 at New York Climate Week. From November 2021 – November 2022, Defra also contributed £1,675,000 to fund a TNFD African Voice pilot programme, with Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa) acting as the delivery partner. This funding was used to secure engagement by African financial institutions, governments, and central banks, with the aim of ensuring that the TNFD framework is fit for purpose in African contexts. In addition, this funding supported the production of a report examining the materiality of nature-related risks for financial institutions in African contexts. At COP28 in December 2023, the Defra Secretary of State announced an additional £2 million funding to support the TNFD initiative’s global market uptake phase, which is focused on encouraging and enabling voluntary market adoption across sectors and geographies, working with international standards bodies, raising awareness of nature as a strategic business issue, and supporting efforts to address the knowledge, capacity building and data needs of market participants. In March 2025, Defra approved an additional £1 million funding to support the ongoing work of the TNFD's global market uptake phase.
ESRC-FAPESP Creating competitive advantage by serving marginalised communities: UK multinationals and inclusive development in Latin America
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
"Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) are often blamed for only serving the elite population when they operate in emerging markets. In addition, they require local governments to create infrastructure and arrangements that can support their activities in the respective country, thus diverting resources from underserved communities within the country towards serving the elite population. The purpose of this study is to explore how multinationals from advanced markets can contribute to the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals by addressing the needs of underserved populations and marginalised communities in emerging markets, while also providing expectations of long term economic return to their shareholders. Considering the increased awareness of doing good while doing well, MNEs are beginning to realise that profit maximization is not the only route to success. They need to improve their image and demonstrate that their existence is beneficial for the society in general, that is a more long-term route to achieve a competitive advantage. We intend to uncover the mechanisms and actions required by these companies to serve marginalised communities and to create a positive image in the society. To do so, we build from stakeholder theory, social entrepreneurship and value creation literature, and offer a qualitative cross-country study in Latin America. We will focus specifically on the experience of UK multinationals in Brazil and Colombia. We will collect data through focus groups and in-depth interviews with multiple actors (such as multinationals' executives, NGOs, underserved consumers, community leaders, local government representatives, investment promotion organizations, and local entrepreneurs). We will triangulate by comparing data from focus groups, interviews, and secondary sources to draw trustworthy conclusions. Further, we will use pattern matching and case comparison to analyse and make sense of data and draw conclusions. The MNEDEVELOP project is context specific and will culminate in a set of good practices for decisionmakers to incentivize positive actions by foreign firms that result in economic and social benefits for poorer communities in Brazil and Colombia. To address this complex research question, resources and expertise from the UK and Brazil will be combined. Principal and co-investigators have a successful track record in conducting research on MNEs impact in developing countries, on local firms, on engaging in training for managers, and working directly with policy makers. Key investigators are well-known international business scholars and experts with numerous relevant high-level publications. The UK team will contribute with theoretical framing, sharing research and training skills with local researchers, taking the lead in the analysis of data, producing actionable documents for stakeholders, and drafting academic publications. The Brazilian team will provide indepth knowledge of the research context, drawing on wider networks with businesses locally and close engagement with local societies while collecting data. As results we will provide guidelines for multinationals and other stakeholders as to how inclusive development can be achieved. " COVID-19
ESRC-FAPESP Creating competitive advantage by serving marginalised communities: UK multinationals and inclusive development in Latin America
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
"Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) are often blamed for only serving the elite population when they operate in emerging markets. In addition, they require local governments to create infrastructure and arrangements that can support their activities in the respective country, thus diverting resources from underserved communities within the country towards serving the elite population. The purpose of this study is to explore how multinationals from advanced markets can contribute to the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals by addressing the needs of underserved populations and marginalised communities in emerging markets, while also providing expectations of long term economic return to their shareholders. Considering the increased awareness of doing good while doing well, MNEs are beginning to realise that profit maximization is not the only route to success. They need to improve their image and demonstrate that their existence is beneficial for the society in general, that is a more long-term route to achieve a competitive advantage. We intend to uncover the mechanisms and actions required by these companies to serve marginalised communities and to create a positive image in the society. To do so, we build from stakeholder theory, social entrepreneurship and value creation literature, and offer a qualitative cross-country study in Latin America. We will focus specifically on the experience of UK multinationals in Brazil and Colombia. We will collect data through focus groups and in-depth interviews with multiple actors (such as multinationals' executives, NGOs, underserved consumers, community leaders, local government representatives, investment promotion organizations, and local entrepreneurs). We will triangulate by comparing data from focus groups, interviews, and secondary sources to draw trustworthy conclusions. Further, we will use pattern matching and case comparison to analyse and make sense of data and draw conclusions. The MNEDEVELOP project is context specific and will culminate in a set of good practices for decisionmakers to incentivize positive actions by foreign firms that result in economic and social benefits for poorer communities in Brazil and Colombia. To address this complex research question, resources and expertise from the UK and Brazil will be combined. Principal and co-investigators have a successful track record in conducting research on MNEs impact in developing countries, on local firms, on engaging in training for managers, and working directly with policy makers. Key investigators are well-known international business scholars and experts with numerous relevant high-level publications. The UK team will contribute with theoretical framing, sharing research and training skills with local researchers, taking the lead in the analysis of data, producing actionable documents for stakeholders, and drafting academic publications. The Brazilian team will provide indepth knowledge of the research context, drawing on wider networks with businesses locally and close engagement with local societies while collecting data. As results we will provide guidelines for multinationals and other stakeholders as to how inclusive development can be achieved. " COVID-19
Kenya’s Portfolio Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (PMEL) Programme.
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
This Portfolio Monitoring and Evaluation (PMEL) programme will provide assurance and evidence on what is working in our programmes and across all our goals and the portfolio. It will help us to verify that implementing partners are delivering what they say they are, achieving results and using the most effective and efficient approaches. It will provide a picture of what is happening within and beyond programmes, and across the portfolio as a whole, enabling us to understand and communicate our successes, and react and adapt to challenges or bottlenecks. It will improve assurance on value for money across the portfolio.
Central Asia Small Projects Programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
This programme will provide the mechanism for embassies to develop small projects to further the aims of the Country Business Plans and develop learning to support wider programming initiatives, with the overall aim of supporting development in the region.
Public Financial Management Multi Donor Trust Fund – Phase II
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The programme provides support to strengthen Nepal’s Public Finance Management (PFM) systems in the context of the implementation of federalism.
Triggering Investment, Growth & Economic Resilience (TIGER)
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
TIGER will allow the UK to support the recovery of Ukraine’s economy in a way that reduces its reliance on external financing, provides a conducive environment for refugees to return, and accelerates convergence with future markets. It will achieve this through five flexible components that can adjust to a deterioration of the situation on the ground and are designed to increase access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium sized Enterprises, and attract investment through new financial vehicles. It will support economic reforms, progress durable solutions in collaboration with the humanitarian response and establish private sector partnerships to tackle growing labour market constraints through increasing the economic participation of women, persons with disabilities, displaced populations, veterans and other marginalised groups.
ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The programme will leverage expertise in UK institutions to support the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states implement ASEAN initiatives that will reduce poverty in the region and in particular support women’s economic empowerment and small businesses. It aims to reduce barriers to development in ASEAN Member States (AMS) and the overall ASEAN Economic Community, to increase prosperity and provide the foundation for more inclusive economic development that benefits the poorest. The programme will support reforms covering regulatory reform, financial services, and trade through technical assistance, capacity building and knowledge-transfer partnerships. It will look to harness the potential of digitalisation in ASEAN.
India –UK Economic Cooperation Programme (ODA)
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
This is a 3 year programme which will help India to implement its proposed economic reforms, climate and infrastructure development priorities, with a view to support its long-term growth objectives. It will provide expertise and support, primarily to Ministry of Finance, with some assistance expected to be provided to a small number of state governments and other Indian agencies. The programme will engage in areas where the UK is well-placed to make the greatest strategic impact: (i) private finance and reforms to the business environment; (ii) tax revenue mobilisation and public finance; and (iii) high quality, low carbon and resilient infrastructure. It will provide up to £1.5m ODA in technical cooperation in 2023/24, with funding allocations for the following two years to be confirmed, subject to a maximum of £4.5 million over 3 years.
UK-Central Asia Green Inclusive Growth (GIG) Fund
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
UK-Central Asia Green Inclusive Growth (GIG) Fund will harness UK’s convening power by establishing a platform for future increased green investment into Central Asia, combining UK’s diplomatic, development and commercial levers. GIG will build on UK’s extensive expertise in establishing private equity/venture capital (PE/VC) funds for development worldwide. By working closely with IFIs and developing local institutions, GIG will invest in targeted business advisory support and offer green growth finance to those firms with the highest potential.
MOBILIST - Mobilising Institutional Capital Through Listed Product Structures
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
FCDO seeks to support the development of new products that have the ambition to list on major and local exchanges, and by doing so, engage new sources of investment and new investors, to help bridge the SDG financing gap, estimated by the UN to total $2.5 trillion p.a. ODA flows alone will not meet the needs of developing countries, and new sources of private investment will be essential if the SDGs are to be met by 2030. The programme will work with UK-based financial service providers and providers across FCDO priority countries and more widely, working to help mobilise more capital to reach the hardest places, and where the needs are greatest.
GFP - Global Finance Programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
Leverages the UK’s unique position as the world’s leading financial centre to increase access to finance for firms and individuals where beneficiaries are in developing countries, promoting shared prosperity through inclusive economic growth overseas, and the development of new markets in developing countries.
Programme to support accountability and inclusion (Programme d'Appui à la Redevabilité et l'Inclusion) (PARI)
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
This programme aims to increase the transparency, accountability and effectiveness of governance institutions at central level and in selected provinces to deliver better pro-poor services and support democracy and lasting stability in DRC.
Somalia Monitoring Programme Phase 3
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
Somalia Monitoring Programme Phase 3 aims to generate and promote use of better evidence and statistics to define, deliver and adjust FCDO programmes in Somalia. It is designed to ensure that British Embassy Mogadishu (BEM), Somali officials and the international community have access to the evidence and statistics needed to ensure programmes and policies are targeted, effective and adaptive; and that risks are identified and managed. SMP 3 involves two key components: the first is Third-Party Monitoring and Learning (TPML) of UK (FCDO) programming in the field, to ensure that our activities deliver expected outcomes, and Campaign Goals in the Somalia Country Plan. The second is support to the Somali National Statistics System to collect, analyse, and use key data enabling the authorities to better target policies and systems that deliver development outcomes.
Disaster Risk Insurance
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
To improve the resilience of the private sector in poor countries to natural disasters by improving access to insurance products. By supporting the development of a market for private sector disaster risk insurance in developing countries, the project will sustainably help strengthen resilience, mitigate the effects of climate change and supporting economic development through private sector growth.
Sudan Economic Impact and Reform (SEIR) Programme
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
To support Sudan’s economic recovery and lay the groundwork for growth by i. Mitigating the impact of economic reforms on the poorest and most vulnerable through social impact mitigation programming. ii. Providing technical assistance (TA) to the Government of Sudan to lead and implement a successful economic reform programme in line with IMF guidance supported by a comprehensive, cross government Poverty Reduction Strategy. iii. Helping prepare the Government of Sudan for debt relief under the Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) process so that in future it is able to access resources from International Financial Institutions (IFIs). The programme will support Sudan’s progress towards SDG1 – halving the numbers of people living in poverty – by reducing the risk of economic collapse and supporting Sudan’s economy to become a platform for future growth. Reducing inflation and arresting the collapse of the currency will alleviate the number of people requiring humanitarian aid.
POF - Pioneer Outcomes Funds
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
A programme to leverage private finance into high performing development projects using Impact Bonds and other pay-for-outcomes models at scale to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals. A multi-donor programme to commission development projects effectively and efficiently using new instruments that facilitate better links between financial markets and providers delivering pay-for-success contracts.
Transforming Financial Services for Bangladesh’s Development
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
The programme will lead to increased availability of new financial services that serve small businesses and low-income households as well as finance for sustainable development.
Economic Development In the Caribbean
UK - Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO)
This programme will support inclusive economic growth and build economic resilience in the ODA eligible Caribbean countries (Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) enabling the region to better respond to economic and climate shocks. The programme will have three core pillars: 1) small business development focusing on key growth sectors and diversification; 2) macroeconomic sustainability to generate fiscal buffers and strengthen government capacity in economic management; 3) strategic inclusive economic development interventions, focusing on core policy themes including women’s economic empowerment, social inclusion, skills and data. The main implementing partners include the IMF and the IDB. Caribbean governments will benefit through technical assistance, and businesses will benefit through business advisory support.
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