Development Co-operation Report 2016

The face of development has changed, with diverse stakeholders involved – and
implicated – in what are more and more seen as global and interlinked
concerns. At the same time, there is an urgent need to mobilise unprecedented
resources to achieve the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The
private sector can be a powerful promotor of sustainable development.
Companies provide jobs, infrastructure, innovation and social services, among
others. Increasingly, investments in developing countries – even in the least
developed countries – are seen as business opportunities, despite the risks
involved. The public sector can leverage the private sector contribution,
helping to manage risk and providing insights into effective policy and
practice. Yet in order to set the right incentives, a better understanding is
needed of the enabling factors, as well as the constraints, for businesses and
investors interested in addressing sustainable development challenges.
The Development Co-operation Report 2016 explores the potential and challenges
of investing in developing countries, in particular through social impact
investment, blended finance and foreign direct investment. The report provides
guidance on responsible business conduct and outlines the challenges in
mobilising and measuring private finance to achieve the SDGs. Throughout the
report, practical examples illustrate how business is already promoting
sustainable development and inclusive growth in developing countries. Part II
of the report showcases the profiles and performance of development co-
operation providers, and presents DAC statistics on official and private
resource flows.