Final conclusion

Abstract

The concept of RBApps has gained increasing levels of attention in recent years. There is a growing interest in the application of RBApps in all regions and across different policy fields, including development co-operation. Several development partners have developed and piloted RBApps to trigger innovation and push for reforms in developing countries. RBApps are thereby used as an instrument to account for results and show that development co-operation is ‘value for money’.

However, these debates often neglect the domestic perspective. So far, discussions on domestic performance approaches and results-based aid have been poorly linked. Yet, a conceptual framework encompassing both approaches exists. The focus on performance and results can be framed within two conceptual debates: the improvement of public sector performance and the achievement of results are the core concerns on the domestic level influenced by NPM approaches. NPM principles are applied in various contexts in developed and developing countries alike to foster service delivery and performance-based management.

Due to several challenges, Imihigo might not yet be used as an entry point for development cooperation. However, the country system could be used and further strengthened through a conceptual engagement by development partners. Such an intensified engagement of development partners in Imihigo could either function through the adoption of certain pre-defined Imihigo targets or the inclusion of additional targets developed by development partners in Imihigo contracts.