NGOs and Aid in Eritrea
A Fact Sheet

What distinguishes Eritrea from other countries needing aid?

Africa's newest nation, plagued by decades of war and drought, has an estimated annual per capita income of less than $250, yet there is no starvation. In fact, the economy is growing rapidly. Eritrea is a country where things work and aid money is well-spent--where modest inputs have measurable, long-term results. This derives from innovative programs with widespread popular participation and from the fact that Eritrea exhibits an almost total freedom from corruption, despite its inherited poverty. It is precisely the country's strong desire to build itself from within that is primarily responsible for this.

What is Eritrea's policy on development?

Eritrea prides itself on its commitment to national self-reliance, honed during a bitter 30-year war for independence. With little support, the Eritreans had to rely on their own resources (both human and material) to achieve their freedom. What started as a deficit turned into a strength. And it continues to shape Eritrea's relations with the rest of the world, including prospective donors. Its aid 'policy' springs from a strong desire to avoid crippling dependence and to foster a clear sense of responsibility for the country's future among all its citizens.

Does this mean that Eritrea neither wants nor seeks aid?

The desire to avoid dependence does not equate with a rejection of all aid--only a vigilance toward it. President Isaias Afwerki stressed in his first address to the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, that after 30 years of war and the destruction of the country's infrastructure and economy, Eritrea needed international assistance for relief and rehabilitation. At the same time, Eritrea has insisted on linking relief with development, ensuring that all aid contributes towards a strong base for future self-reliance.

What kind of aid does Eritrea welcome?

The Eritrean government welcomes international aid that addresses specific needs which cannot be met internally. It welcomes aid that is designed to minimize continued external support, and which complements and strengthens (instead of replacing) Eritrea's own institutional capacity to implement projects. In other words, Eritrea welcomes assistance that contributes to enhancing internal capacity to avoid long term dependence.

Are international NGOs welcome in Eritrea?

Eritrea welcomes the assistance of international NGOs as long as their presence in the country does not threaten or weaken Eritrea's capacity to develop itself. The government also insists on Eritrean ownership of all projects so that they and the benefits that accrue to participants will be sustainable and not subject to unpredictable shifts in the donor's priorities or financial commitments. This means that Eritrea, and not the NGO, takes the lead in identifying problems and designing solutions for them. Partnership in this endeavor is, however, encouraged.

What are Eritrea's developmental priorities, and where do NGOs fit in?

Eritrea is taking a people-centered approach to development. As a result, the government places a high priority on improving basic education and health care. NGOs are encouraged to partner in these fields--funding basic infrastructure, supporting training programs and assisting with specific projects. Programs are negotiated with government ministries, popular associations (women, youth, workers) and indigenous NGOs. Relief for expelled and war-displaced civilians is channeled through the Eritrean Relief and Refugee Commission.

How can NGOs help out in Eritrea?

We at EDF are pleased to share our experience and ideas with donor agencies interested in developing aid programs for Eritrea. We are prepared to channel funds into projects we already support and monitor or to assist agencies in setting up contacts and programs of their own. We are also prepared to act as an intermediary for donors who wish to support projects outside our existing program.