Aid Effectiveness in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Case Study Investigating the Factors Influencing Ineffective Aid

Abstract

This article examines aid effectiveness in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It first discusses how to best measure aid effectiveness. Then, it investigates several contributing factors to the DRC’s current developmental predicaments. To accomplish these, the concepts of Paul Collier’s traps, Erik Reinert’s development theory, and the indicators of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness are utilised as explanatory tools. These variables are combined to seek a holistic approach in investigating the reasons behind the lack of aid effectiveness. A history of conflict is explored and constructs a setting for the DRC’s precarious reality and it is argued that the DRC’s sustained, long-term conflict is one of the main reasons for aid ineffectiveness. Furthermore, the state of industry and the idea of welfare colonialism as detrimental to aid effectiveness in the context of the DRC are explored. Additionally, an investigation of the implementation of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the actions of donor countries is provided. This leads to a critique of the practical implementation of aid in the DRC. The conclusion argues for an overall lack of aid effectiveness which has been aggravated by long-term conflict, poor governance, lack of industry, and a dysfunctional Paris Declaration.