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Publish where you fund! On geospatial transparency of aid

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  • Zdeněk Opršal

Abstract

Motivation Geospatial aid transparency, entailing the availability and accessibility of data on aid project locations, is a critical yet underexplored dimension of aid effectiveness and accountability. Geospatial aid transparency can improve donor coordination, public oversight, and the targeting of aid. Purpose I review how subnational geospatial data are accounted for in existing aid transparency indexes; examine the current state of online interactive mapping platforms providing project‐level aid information; and discuss challenges in sharing and visualizing spatial data. Methods Platforms providing geospatial information are compared, focusing on experiences from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Malawi, and Moldova. Findings A diverse range of actors operate geospatial data platforms, including donors, implementing agencies, recipient governments, and independent third parties. Comparative analysis of selected platforms exposes inconsistencies in the number and location of aid activities. While geospatial tools have significant potential, they currently offer only a fragmented and sometimes misleading picture of aid delivery. Policy Implications For geospatial transparency to meaningfully enhance aid effectiveness, accurate reporting to robust data standards is necessary. The multi‐stakeholder International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI) should take the lead in advancing geospatial transparency.

Suggested Citation

  • Zdeněk Opršal, 2025. "Publish where you fund! On geospatial transparency of aid," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 43(6), November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devpol:v:43:y:2025:i:6:n:e70043
    DOI: 10.1111/dpr.70043
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