Ep 17: USAID Market Year in Review: Key 2023 Business Development Trends and Preparing for 2024

In a discussion about funding trends and market insights for business development at USAID, panelists highlighted key themes including the emphasis on localization, the impact of supplemental funding, and the necessity of adaptability in response to changing funding patterns.

The panelists stressed the importance of engaging with local and private sector actors for sustainable impact solutions and innovation. Additionally, they discussed effective preparation for phased procurements, addressing challenges like startup costs, and maintaining flexibility in response to changing funding patterns. They emphasized the need to be proactive and adaptive in navigating the evolving USAID partnering landscape.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:30] Discussion on the key trend of localization and locally-led development in 2023, with insights from Moges Gebremedhin
• [09:31] Caroline Denman discusses the conflict funding, program investments and transition initiatives
• [13:54] Matt Swaim shares insights on the integration of AI tools in the industry, emphasizing their potential to accelerate work and advance development goals
• [17:11] Caroline Denman discusses the trend of major prime implementers having regional offices around the world, emphasizing the importance of localized solutions and engagement with national partners
• [25:14] The link between private sector engagement and locally-led development, emphasizing the role of the private sector in sustaining initiatives
• [35:27] Insights on supplemental funding and the need for adaptability in response to changing funding patterns
• [39:19] Caroline Denman discusses the impact of naming key personnel and the challenges related to startup in project implementation
• [42:00] Transition to preparing for 2024, with panelists sharing their thoughts on key indicators and changes for the upcoming year
• [51:35] Christy wraps up with the key takeaways
  
  

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Localization and locally-led development have been significant trends in USAID partnering in 2023. There is a strong emphasis on engaging local actors and building partnerships to facilitate sustainable business solutions and innovation. This trend has implications for project design, implementation, and the ability to deliver quick impactful results
• The phased procurement process, particularly the changing requirements on timing to name key personnel, have implications for project startup and implementation. The process can be costly and requires adaptability and resources to ensure a strong start to project implementation
• Private sector engagement and the cost of engaging local partners are important considerations for sustainability in the localization initiative. The cost of writing a prime USAID proposal and the need to build partnerships with local firms are key factors in the evolving landscape of USAID partnering
• Looking ahead to 2024, an election year, considerations include potential government shutdowns, laddered budgets, and USAID procurement process.

RESOURCES:

Aid Market Podcast

Mike Shanley - LinkedIn

Christy Hollywood - LinkedIn

Matt Swaim - LinkedIn

Matt Swaim Chemonics - Website

Dragana Veskov - LinkedIn

DraganaVeskov - Website

Moges Gebremedhin

Caroline Denman

RTI - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHIES:

Dragana Veskov is a seasoned expert in business development and project management with over three decades of progressive leadership experience. In her recent role as Director of Business Development at FHI360, Dr. Veskov leads new business initiatives, overseeing an impressive annual sales volume of approximately $1 billion. Dr. Veskov has established and nurtured strong relationships with key stakeholders, including USAID, FCDO, NORAD, The World Bank, Millennium Challenge Corporation, and private donors.

Moges Gebremedhin is RTI's Regional Director for Africa based in Nairobi, Kenya. Mr. Gebremedhin provides technical and operational support for RTI's USAID-funded programs and partners in the region. Working across RTI's technical divisions and experts, he connects RTI research and solutions with opportunities for impact in the region.

Matt Swaim has been with Chemonics for ten years and currently serves as the Business Development Advisor for the Asia Region. He specializes in writing winning proposals for USAID-funded contracts in the areas of economic growth, promoting sustainable agriculture, and advancing democratic governance. He also serves on Chemonics' LGBTQ+ Inclusion Technical Working Group which develops approaches and thought leadership in advancing inclusion for the global community.

Caroline Denman15 years of field-based technical experience spans economic growth, good governance, stabilization and transition, education, refugee response, gender inclusion, and climate-smart agriculture in over 20 countries around the world, including long term assignments in the Middle East and North Africa. In her current role as Deputy Director for Business Development with DT Global, she leads proposal strategy, development, and learning for large, complex USAID bids, in addition to overseeing efforts for proposal training, industry outreach and positioning, and generating best practices for effective, competitive activity design.