Terms of reference published: UK development partnerships

29 Jan 2026

The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) has today published more information about our forthcoming review assessing the UK’s partnership approach for international development.  

The UK’s approach to development partnerships has evolved over time, most notably moving away from traditional short-term aid delivery towards building joined up, lasting support. During a visit to Ghana in September 2025, Development Minister Baroness Chapman described the current approach to partnership as ‘typical of the UK’s new modernised approach to international development – one where we invest in and work with countries, as partners’.

This review will build on past ICAI work, focusing on the UK’s approach to country partnerships since 2021-22, including the extent and ways in which the UK has combined aid funding, expertise and policy influence. It will include three country case studies – Kenya, Myanmar, and Zimbabwe – examining all government departments involved in partnerships with these countries’ governments and other non-state actors. The review will set out recommendations for how the UK can maximise impact and value for money through a partnership approach.  

We expect to publish this review in autumn 2026. 

Read the terms of reference for the full review.