In this week’s episode, we invite Steve Murigi back on to the podcast to have a more in-depth conversation about localising funding. Steve identifies localisation as the principal mechanism through which to shift power, and provides us with practical tools to ensure that localisation is effective. He states that localising priority setting and development strategy (what is done with development funding) is even more important than who holds the money. Steve also warns that localisation risks becoming ‘a box to tick’ for Global North institutions rather than being defined and driven by Global South organisations. We discuss the challenges that come with such a transformative approach, which Steve categorises as structural, administrative and ideological challenges. The conversation then shifts towards what localisation needs to look like in terms of accountability, flexibility, and agency for those working in the Global South. Steve’s perspective is wide-ranging and he calls upon not only development organisations in the Global North, but also on the mechanisms and organisations involved in funding, including government agencies. Our conversation is highly practical and hands-on, and it allows us to get closer to understanding localised funding as a mechanism to decolonise international development.

Steve is the Chief Executive Officer at PCI (Primary Care International), leading the organisation’s work to strengthen the delivery of primary care globally through innovative and cost-effective models. He is a public health leader and advocate of inclusive, adaptive, localised, and people-centred development practices, with extensive experience in international development across Africa and Europe. Prior to joining PCI, Steve was the Head of Programs and Strategic Partnerships at Amref Health Africa UK. Over the years, he has worked across senior communication, advocacy, partnerships, and programme disciplines to drive organisational growth.

If you’re interested to find out more about Steve’s work, take a look here:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• The PCI Academy

Recent work:

• Rethinking global healthworker education: the value of multi-directional learning
• A strong primary health workforce as a crucial foundation for quality care in post-conflict setting

Relevant resources:

• https://globaldevincubator.org/why-havent-we-made-more-progress-in-localizing-development/
• https://www.cgdev.org/blog/four-transformative-actions-localize-international-development
• https://www.usaid.gov/localization
• Yield Giving (Mackenzie Scott)
• https://www.peacedirect.org/publications/nine-roles-for-intermediaries/