DFID and global aid transparency

28 March 2009

How we are promoting transparency of global aid

When donors provide aid, they should tell the public what they are doing in a way that people can easily understand. This helps to ensure that all aid is used as effectively as possible and that governments and agencies are held to account for what they spend.

We are leading international efforts to improve the transparency of aid  spending. Aid transparency means that everyone can see how much aid is being provided, what it is being spent on, and what it aims to achieve

In September 2008, we led the launch of a new International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI). It aims to increase the amount of public information about aid spending worldwide and make it easier for everyone  to access. Following our lead, 16 donors have now signed up to the IATI.

We are also working to improve transparency in our own aid spending. The project information section of this website has details of DFID-funded projects. They range from emergency aid for countries affected by conflict or humanitarian crises, to ongoing support to improve health, education and sanitation in the poorest countries.