The ongoing review process of the European Development Fund (EDF) provides an opportunity to look at how development aid affects democracy, human rights, and good governance and vice-versa. The international development community has long recognised the importance of ownership of aid and there are several practical steps to be taken in order to enhance domestic accountability in development cooperation.

The first panel will look at how development initiatives in Africa can tackle the highly complex issue of politics and ensure that all local perspectives are heard. The second panel will examine ways in which actors other than governments can be involved in the implementation of the EDF.