South-South Cooperation: A Challenge to the Aid System?

It is essential to better understand the nature, shortcomings and potential of South-South development cooperation in order to inform and strengthen CSO advocacy for greater development effectiveness of aid, whether this involves South-South or North-South relations. This article examines the drivers of SSDC and to what extent emerging donors from the South are motivated by principles of solidarity and mutual benefit or driven by strategic interests. It also examines the implications of Southern donors’ policy of mutual benefit and non-interference on the quality and developmental impact of such aid. Finally it draws some lessons for improving international development cooperation.