Arab Donors: Implications for Future Development Cooperation

This paper provides an overview of Arab donors and examines possibilities for greater cooperation with European development partners. Arab donors have a long history as aid providers. From 1973 to 2008, Arab official development assistance (ODA) averaged 1.5% of their combined gross national income, double the United Nations target of 0.7% (World Bank 2010). Historically these resources have been directed towards the Middle East and North Africa, often as concessional loans to infrastructure. The prevalence of unreported transfers means that there is limited knowledge of total resources and how these are used. However, there are signs of changing practice, with key Arab donors providing support to a range of countries outside the Arab region and some strengthened transparency over aid flows.