Publications

Policy Briefs

Empowering Local Authorities to Lead Economic Development in Yemen

Empowering Local Authorities to Lead Economic Development in Yemen

This policy brief outlines a set of recommendations aimed at empowering local authorities in Yemen to effectively provide services and lead local economic development. The aim is to analyze and draw lessons from three ongoing tracks that seek to empower local authorities in Yemen, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with these efforts.

The analysis concludes that building consensus between the central government and local authorities is of paramount importance for the successful empowerment of local authorities. It is imperative to address political concerns and achieve a minimum level of political consensus in order for these efforts to move forward. Furthermore, it is crucial to overcome challenges related to financing, enhance transparency and accountability, and build local capacity.

The Development Champions Forum therefore recommends the importance of establishing clear and precise guiding principles for the distribution of powers and authorities between the center and local authorities. It also emphasizes leveraging the potential of the private sector to drive economic growth, create job opportunities, provide services, and invest in local communities. Lastly, it encourages partnerships between international organizations, donors, and local authorities towards empowering local authorities in providing services and local economic development.

Read also in Policy Briefs

Transitional Government in Post-Conflict Yemen

August 5, 2019 Policy Briefs
This policy brief offers recommendations to maximize the effectiveness of governance in post-conflict Yemen – whatever the composition or structure of the government. It presents three case studies on government models previously introduced in Yemen, Tunisia and Lebanon after periods of instability. These case studies offer useful lessons on the challenges, risks and opportunities of…

The Repercussions of War on Women in the Yemeni Workforce

July 23, 2019 Policy Briefs
This policy brief sheds light on how the ongoing conflict in Yemen has affected women’s participation in the workforce. It finds that the protracted conflict has, on the one hand, pushed more women into the workforce and new labor markets, in some cases into professions previously dominated by men. While some women have established new enterprises, often home-based businesses, others have…

Enhancing the Role of Microfinance Banks for Sustainable Impact in Yemen

September 23, 2024 Policy Briefs
Yemen's microfinance sector is a story of both remarkable progress and persistent challenges. Introduced in 1997 with the backing of international donors, microfinancing emerged as a vital tool in the fight against poverty and unemployment. The Social Fund for Development (SFD) acted as a driving force, establishing the Small and Microenterprise Development Unit (SMED) to head this…