Over the past 10 years, VNG International has developed a systems approach that supports local governments in generating better funding for their public services. The VNG International approach is focused on improving the own source revenue of local governments by supporting the local tax base and revenue collection process. Our approach supports the structure of intergovernmental fiscal transfers and the improvement of fiscal and governmental relations between central and local levels of government. It has been developed and tested in more than 15 countries including countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and South-East Asia.

In our view, the challenges for funding of local governments and local public services can be framed in three areas, that require in-depth analysis:

  • Mandate and legal framework of the local government
  • Social contract between local governments and their citizens
  • Technical capacities of local governments

The three areas of analysis can be used for the improvement of the local revenue process, with tailor made support.

Afbeelding 1

The support of VNG International in local revenue mobilization is always demand driven and based on the local context. VNG International can advise donors and partner countries in the phase of project design with scoping and analysis of the current situation, to come to a tailor made process that is fit for the existing challenges.

VNG International functions as a knowledge hub and project implementation partner, whereas local authorities are always the decision maker for strategic decisions and responsible partner for the monitoring and assessment of the project progress and results. Our team of international experts works closely together with local expertise to ensure the project knowledge is locally rooted and therefore optimally sustainable. The projects carry out a form of continuous handover, preferably to a dedicated local counterpart that assigned by the government. This way, the projects aim to assure a sustainable ownership over the project deliverables at the side of the project counterparts.

Please contact us for more information on our services and products, and to start up collaboration.