Partnerships for Municipal Innovation in Local Economic Development

The project supports strengthening the governance capacities of local governments in seven countries so that they are better able to promote sustainable economic growth. It works with local government associations as partners and draws on expertise from Canadian municipalities. The project seeks to: introduce and reinforce innovative approaches to local economic development (LED) that promotes an improved enabling environment for LED; facilitate inclusive LED practices that empower women and youth; and promote trade and regional economic development. The project also supports the participation of local governments and local government associations in national and international policy dialogue and knowledge-sharing networks focused on local governance and economic development. Project activities include: (1) providing hands-on technical assistance and training to local governments chambers of commerce and other stakeholders to enhance their expertise in the planning implementation and promotion of LED practices and policies; (2) carrying out pilot initiatives that promote innovative approaches to LED; (3) working with local governments and partner stakeholders (such as schools and business associations) to improve municipal capacities to provide training and services targeting young and female entrepreneurs; and (4) supporting local governments and private sector stakeholders to design business and trade promotion tools as well as to identify and pursue trade opportunities.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) strengthened innovative approaches to economic development trade and investment by local governments in selected growth centers in Africa Asia and the Americas; and (2) increased engagement of local governments with local stakeholders in support of gender sensitive economic development investment and trade in Africa Asia and the Americas.