Projects
DAI projects cover the full spectrum of development disciplines. We are building local capacity to fight disease in outbreak hot spots around the world. We are training local armed forces in civil-military relations in Africa, and we are active in the education sector in Palestine. Working arm in arm with local organizations, we have strengthened the credit system for Moroccan entrepreneurs, helped Haiti’s hillside farmers raise their incomes, improved natural resource management in the Philippines, mitigated conflict in Liberia, and fostered responsive local governments in Serbia. In all of our projects, we emphasize inclusion, participation, and sustainability.
Albania—Albanian Agriculture Competitiveness (AAC) Program
Given the importance of agriculture to the Albanian economy—it provides income for nearly two-thirds of the rural population and accounts for close to a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product—AAC has the potential to make a lasting contribution to sustained economic development and improved livelihoods across the country. The program works with producers, suppliers, and processors along promising value chains to increase productivity, improve quality, and access better markets in Albania.
Angola—Fiscal Reform Project (AFRP)
In the peace following three decades of civil war, Angola faced the formidable challenge of building basic infrastructure, establishing social services, and addressing widespread poverty. If properly managed, oil wealth—already accounting for 40 percent of gross domestic product and 80 percent of government revenues—had the potential to drive Angola’s social and economic recovery.
Angola—Regional Trade Project (ProAgro)
In the early 2000s, Angola was deep in the process of rebuilding after 27 years of civil war. With a weak infrastructure and a poorly functioning market economy, Angola’s costs of production for nearly all products were high. It imported large quantities of almost all major food products—potatoes, onions, carrots, garlic, rice, and wheat. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has worked with several implementers to help address small farm-level issues of production and marketing. ProAgro was designed to test ways to use regional trade as a stimulus to rebuilding the agricultural sector in Angola.
Armenia—Agribusiness Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Market Development Program (ASME)
In 2000, Armenia was still shaking off the Soviet heritage of planned economy approaches, a mentality of production-led entrepreneurship and isolation from international markets. The small size and economically distressed condition of the domestic market necessitated a broader perspective on growth opportunities. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded ASME sought to increase market opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.
Armenia—Multi Bank Framework
DAI was contracted by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support to Armenian Partner Banks to implement small and medium enterprise lending projects by assisting the partner banks in establishing adequate lending practices and supporting them in loan appraisal and credit approval processes.
Armenia—Technical Assistance for MSE Agri-Lending Products for Araratbank
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) intends to extend a $7 million equivalent credit line to Armenia’s Araratbank to support further development of on-lending to local micro, small, and medium-sized companies. At least $1 million will be allocated for lending to local agribusinesses. We will assist in designing sustainable lending schemes suitable for this sector.
Azerbaijan—Parliamentary Program in Azerbaijan (PPA)
Azerbaijan faces serious challenges to its democratic development. Democratic institutions are new and evolving from a historical legacy of highly centralized authority, and Azerbaijan ranks near the bottom of several international measures of corruption. A strengthened parliament is critical to maintaining a healthy system of checks and balances and, thus, supporting successful social and economic development. The parliament must first, however, solidify its own sense of identity, with clearly understood roles and responsibilities, professional services, and a vastly stronger relationship between the deputies and the constituents they should serve.
Bangladesh—Promoting Governance, Accountability, Transparency, and Integrity (PROGATI)
Corruption is a significant obstacle to governments as they seek greater economic growth and expand public services. Faced with the lack of transparency and accountability, citizens, the private sector, and foreign investors lose trust in public institutions and the rule of law. Corruption is not an issue that can be addressed by working in one sector or by working with one set of stakeholders—solutions must be comprehensive and crosscutting. In Bangladesh, we are working with government and citizens, with media and watchdog organizations, and with public officials and elected representatives to foster partnerships and new incentives for anticorruption reform.
Belarus—Bank for Reconversion and Development–Institution Building Plan
DAI led a consortium that provided technical assistance to Belarus’ Reconversion and Development Bank (RDB) as part of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)-funded Institution Building Programme.
Bolivia—Policy and Regulatory Enhancement for Microfinance Innovation and Expanded Outreach (PREMIER)
Bolivia has historically been one of the poorest countries in South America and has experienced considerable political turmoil, including violent rioting. In this tumultuous environment, the financial services sector faces significant challenges in remaining viable, particularly in the microfinance field, which makes credit available for low-income Bolivians.
Bosnia and Herzegovina—Governance Accountability Project (GAP)
Since the Dayton Peace Accords of 1995, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been consolidating its emerging multiethnic and representative government. To improve the chances for political success and sustainability, GAP built the capacity of 41 “partner municipalities” to serve their citizens within a policy and fiscal framework of good governance.
Brazil—Micro and Small Enterprise Trade-Led Growth Program (MSE)
Micro and small enterprises (MSEs) make important contributions to the Brazilian economy, representing 20 percent of the total gross domestic product nationwide. However, although the MSE sector accounts for a large part of Brazilian businesses, it contributes a minimal percentage to Brazil’s exports (only 3 percent). The program focused on the development of four clusters: acai fruit in Para, cashew nuts in Cear, honey in Piau, and swimwear in Bahia.
Bulgaria—Allianz Bank Bulgaria AD
DAI was contracted by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, under its Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Finance Facility Special Fund, to support Allianz Bank’s ability to downscale its lending activities to the SME sector in Bulgaria. In 2007, the fund provided Allianz Bank with a credit line of €5 million for on-lending to Bulgarian SMEs and to be disbursed over a period of up to two years. Following the successful utilization of the credit line, an extension for additional €5 million was signed in February 2009. Both credit lines were fully utilized by the end of the assignment.
Bulgaria—Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Credit Line Support – Rational Energy Utilisation and Financing Plans
In partnership with EnCon Services, DAI implemented a European Bank for Reconstruction and Development-funded project intended to develop Rational Energy Utilization Plans with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria—Eurobank EFG
DAI was contracted to provide Eurobank EFG Bulgaria AD with technical assistance on its lending to Bulgarian SMEs by training EFG’s loan officers and small business banking staff, assist on the development of new products, setting up a marketing strategy and design a staff incentive scheme.
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