1 South Africa: IDASA and the Budget Information Service Finnish Aid in a PRS Context Helsinki Workshop May 2003

2 Why this case study? IDASA/BIS: Example of extremely effective budget work done by an local NGO in Africa Africa Budget Project/Civil Society Budget Initiative: Example of INGO support to local NGOs wanting to develop budget analysing

3 History of IDASA Set up effort to create a safe space for dialogue between those in power and liberation movements 1994 first democratic elcetion in 1994 Established BIS (Budget Information Service) after the 1994 elections. Aiming to promote smooth flow of public policy information between government and citizens

4 SA context Post-Apartheid South Africa- context of declining growth and huge inequality Need to reorient resources towards the excluded 80% Focus efforts on reprioritising the budget and service delivery from 3ary, middle class white people to 1ary services for low income black people in the rural areas

5 BIS goals To produce timely, critical, objective and accessible information on the impact of the budget on poor people To enhance the participation of legislatures and CS in the budget processes

6 They believe that inclusive budgeting will: Support development and poverty reduction by- Building citizens commitment to tough policy choices Improving budget and poverty decision- making and programme impact

7 Initial targets Legislators- little experience, acquiescent, not budget literate, little oversight capacity NGOs and CSOs- providing services which were the responsibility of the state, shift in role of sector post- apartheid- advocacy, research, accountability and oversight, needed new skills

8 The programme Capacity building for effective participation people a year Providing decision makers with research analysis, information etc about the impact of budget on the poor Researching the budget system and advocating changes that are pro-poor and pro-participation

9 Their approach High technical competence in a non- traditional NGO area Understanding the constraints govt faces Working with/within govt policy goals ‘Critical ally’

10 BIS as an INGO: The Africa Budget Project Aims to build CS and legislature capacity to participate effectively in budget processes in African countries In 3 years has introduced 100 organisations across Africa Substantive work with 17 organisation In Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, and this year Namibia, Botswana, Cameroon, Burkina Faso …

11 Africa Budget Project organisations across Africa Substantive work with 17 organisation In Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, and this year Namibia, Botswana, Cameroon, Burkina Faso …

12 How? Through training and joint research projects which assist in obtaining the technical language required Through joint research projects and information management activities which provide research instruments and analysis frameworks that groups can apply to gain a credible voice

13 Through networking and the facilitation of contact between organisations so enabling the dissemination of success stories Through technical assistance we provide one-on-one support to organisations at critical points in their development Through working with international organisations aiming to improve the transparency of budgets and build the credibility of civil society in budgetary debates

14 Activities Joint research studies and books Structured Training Course Modules Training and Technical Assistance on Demand Exchange Programmes Radio Programmes