The Ghost of 0.7%: Origins and Relevance of the International Aid Target

A Center for Global Development report republished today in a British edition by International Policy Network (opens PDF) demolishes the idea behind such a target. Key points of the report:

• The 0.7% target was formulated as a lobbying tool in the late ‘60s. 
• The justification for the 0.7% “need” (so called “financing gap theory”) has lost all credibility.
• Even if the justification were sound, the figures on which it relies are forty years out of date. Recalculating with up-to-date statistics shows the “capital need” in poor countries has fallen to below 0.05% of national income in rich countries – less than 10 per cent of the aid that is currently being spent under the Labour government.
• The UK’s development policy should adapt to the changing circumstances. Tying spending to a discredited 40-year old target dreamt up by lobbyists makes no sense.
• Decreeing any aid spending target is backwards. Development aid should be focused on outcomes, not inputs.

Photo:

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