Devex: Opinion: How USAID is primed to transition countries from aid
Justin Fugle, senior adviser for policy and program outreach at Plan

“…Every president has promised foreign assistance will create the conditions under which it is no longer necessary … USAID’s history shows that successful transitions are planned and implemented with the partner countries and driven by development priorities. … The sustainability and legacy of U.S. development assistance requires strengthening the capacity of local systems to produce development outcomes. … One can see a clear link between locally owned programs and the growing power of developing economies. No longer reliant on U.S. aid, they are more than ready to take the lead in their national progress and build strategic partnerships with the United States. This shift in the underlying power dynamics will manifest itself regardless of whether aid programs continue. Yet, by practicing an ownership approach to transitions, USAID would have a better chance of maintaining the progress and goodwill resulting from our support to these emerging powers and potential allies” (9/7).