“When we help democratic leaders provide vaccines to their people, bring down inflation or high food prices, send children to school, or reopen markets after a natural disaster, we are demonstrating that democracy delivers. And we are making it less likely that autocratic forces will take advantage of people’s economic hardship. Nowhere is that task more important today than in societies that have managed to elect democratic reformers or throw off autocratic or antidemocratic rule.” USAID Administrator Samantha Power
What is the Democracy Delivers Initiative?
The Democracy Delivers Initiative aims to surge support, resources, and attention to countries experiencing moments of democratic opportunity. Launched by USAID Administrator Samantha Power and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the UN General Assembly in September 2022, Democracy Delivers is mobilizing efforts from across the United States government, multilateral and regional institutions, the private sector, philanthropies, and beyond in support of democracies delivering tangible benefits for their citizens and governments advancing democratic reform.
Where does the Democracy Delivers Initiative work?
The Democracy Delivers Initiative is focused on supporting countries experiencing promising, relatively recent democratic openings—often referred to as democratic “bright spots.” While the specific context of each country varies considerably, these are broadly speaking countries with reform-oriented governments that are making democratic progress by, for example, expanding press freedom and civic space, fighting corruption, increasing government transparency, repealing repressive laws, and/or ensuring political participation and free and fair elections. The Democracy Delivers Initiative is currently supporting countries including Armenia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Malawi, Maldives, Moldova, Nepal, Tanzania, and Zambia.
How does the Democracy Delivers Initiative mobilize support?
While the United States Government is increasing assistance and other resources for these countries, supporting democratic reform cannot be the responsibility of government alone. USAID is facilitating new partnerships to usher in a range of additional and complementary support, with the goal of building broad coalitions that help countries and reformers cement early wins and demonstrate to citizens that democracy is improving their daily lives.
How can businesses help?
The private sector has extraordinary expertise in many of the areas where emerging democracies need the most support, and a strong interest in promoting transparent, rules-based investment climates. By investing in these markets, companies can help reformist leaders in demonstrating how strengthening democracy pays economic dividends for citizens, and help encourage further business-friendly reforms that combat corruption, strengthen the rule of law, and create a level-playing field for companies. Short of new investments, private companies could also consider corporate giving grants to civil society organizations, or offer pro-bono technical assistance, temporary staffing, or trainings. For example, in Ecuador, USAID created a new partnership with a leading supermarket conglomerate to incorporate products produced by smallholder farmers directly into the company's supply chain. In Moldova, USAID is working with one of the world’s leading shipping and logistics companies and the International Chamber of Commerce to introduce programs aimed at connecting local businesses to global markets.
How can Philanthropies help?
Philanthropic partners are uniquely positioned to rapidly and nimbly respond in support of democratic openings. In some instances, philanthropies maintain deep connections with local organizations already working to advance democratic and economic opportunity across multiple sectors. In other instances, philanthropies possess an ability to act as a first wave of surge support as new governments direct their attention to citizen concerns. By prioritizing philanthropic support to these countries, foundations stand to see the impact of their investments strengthened and sustained. For example, in Tanzania, USAID worked with a leading global philanthropy to launch a public-private partnership that facilitates efficient, life-saving emergency care for pregnant mothers and newborn babies and expand it throughout the entire country.
How can Bilateral and Multilateral Donors help?
Robust evidence links democracy to improved development outcomes. Aligning donor programming enables a multiplier effect where democratic openings occur by leveraging our comparative advantages, resources and expertise. For example, USAID and Irish Aid launched a new co-partnership to invest $75 million in building more sustainable food systems to help fight hunger and prevent the next food crisis in sub-Saharan Africa, including Malawi.
How can Individuals help?
Whether you’re a consumer who purchases goods made in a country experiencing a democratic opening, a member of the diaspora who volunteers to help a reformist movement, or even a tourist who visits an emerging democracy on their next vacation, you are helping to strengthen global democracy—an effort we all have a stake in.
How can you Partner with Democracy Delivers?
USAID is facilitating new partnerships and coalitions to support democracies. To explore opportunities to partner and support Democracy Delivers, please contact democracydelivers@usaid.gov.
