DAI

We are pausing updates about USAID programs while the incoming U.S. administration conducts its review of foreign assistance. We will continue to bring you news and insights about projects supported by our other partners, including the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the European Union, and corporate clients. We extend our?best wishes to everyone affected by recent disruptions in the industry and look forward to getting back to work as soon as possible.

Last week, our Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) team was honored to attend two key events hosted by the British Embassy in partnership with the Government of the Philippines. These events highlighted and reaffirmed the strong UK-Philippines partnership in climate and nature action, and the sustainable blue economy. At Blue Horizons – Accelerating the UK-Philippines Partnership for a Sustainable Blue Economy, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy and the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga led a panel discussion on accelerating the blue economy—highlighting biodiversity protection and restoration as key to sustainable growth. The event brought together key stakeholders fostering connections and meaningful exchanges on strengthening marine conservation efforts. We also joined the reception marking the 5th UK-Philippines Climate & Environment Dialogue, celebrating five years of collaboration on climate finance, conservation, and resilience. We were delighted to have this opportunity to meet and reconnect with those working on environment and climate resilience in the country. As our Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office funded COAST program in the Philippines gets underway, we look forward to sharing more about our program of work. Over the coming months, we will co-design our approach with the Philippines Government and local partners. Find out more about the global program here: https://buff.ly/IJYvQH1 Photo: Panel (from left to right) - ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity Acting Executive Director Clarissa Arida, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, U.K. Foreign Secretary Rt. Hon. David Lammy, Senator Loren Legarda, and Director General of Sectors Group 2 at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) F. Cleo Kawawaki. Marianne Teoh, Kate Wilson HARGREAVES, Nandi Hall, Luqman Ahmad #DAIClimateFutures

We continue to be proud to support the Centre for Disaster Protection. Thank you Daniel Clarke for sharing this paper.

DAI's Sustainable Business Group are pleased to announce that the next Local Content Masterclass will take place in Houston, Texas, on November 18–20. This intensive training equips private sector companies, policymakers, and development professionals with the knowledge and tools to design and implement effective local content strategies. Participants will gain insights from industry experts, explore global best practices, and apply lessons learned through real-world case studies. Places are limited, and we are offering an early registration discount as well as a group discount for teams. Learn more: https://buff.ly/xu7aJ1F Secure your spot: https://buff.ly/xLSdDYb We look forward to welcoming professionals from across industries to this important discussion on sustainable and resilient business practices.

?? #Paraguay faces one of the highest rates of forest loss in #LatinAmerica, driven by deforestation, illegal logging, and #wildfire threats. According to #UN data, 10 million hectares are lost to #deforestation globally each year, and 70 million hectares are affected by #fires. Ahead of #InternationalDayofForests, we’re spotlighting our work through the #EU-funded Forest4Life project, alongside our experts, local and international partners, to preserve #biodiversity, combat deforestation, and strengthen #FireManagement. Our focus is on improving preparedness, prevention, and response to forest fires, ensuring lasting protection for Paraguay's forests. Recently, we facilitated a meeting in Loma Plata between the Instituto Forestal Nacional del Paraguay (INFONA) and municipalities to discuss the Integrated Fire Management (MIF) law, enhancing policies and promoting responsible fire use to prevent uncontrolled burning. We are proud to support INFONA by advising on sustainable policies and fostering stakeholder engagement, helping Paraguay protect its forests and build resilience against #environmental threats. ??#EuropeanUnion I European External Action Service I #Paraguay I #ForestConservation I Gustavo Porres Izquierdo I Bernat Pallejà Claveria I

Localizing procurement is complex—but getting it right creates stronger supply chains, boosts local economies, and drives long-term sustainability. DAI’s Local Content Masterclass is designed for professionals looking to navigate these challenges with confidence. This course provides practical strategies to implement effective policies, maximize local participation, and create real impact. Register your interest to be the first to hear about new course dates and receive expert insights from DAI’s specialists. Learn more: https://buff.ly/0FzFJFE Sign up here: https://buff.ly/9gu9RGB

Northern Nigeria accounts for the vast majority of out-of-school children, with nearly one million currently out of school in Kano State alone, according to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). In a bid to improve the education sector and get more children to school, the Kano State Government, with the support of the U.K.'s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, DAI, and the Arewa Consultative Forum, is developing and implementing interventions that will reposition and improve the education sector under the Kano State Education Recovery Project. The intervention, which started with a conference, involved developing the Kano State Education Recovery Plan, including a sustainability framework, out-of-school synthesis report, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework for implementation. In addition, DAI provided training for the Ministry of Education’s M&E department and focal persons responsible for external relations, media, community engagement, and departmental heads overseeing education programs. Read more here: https://buff.ly/41eHRD9

More than 350 local and international businesses, organizations, and government representatives came together at two supplier networking forums in Mozambique to explore opportunities in the growing LNG energy sector. Organized by the MozUp Enterprise Development Center (EDC), these events are part of a broader effort to ensure Mozambican businesses benefit hand-in-hand with the growth and development of the LNG sector. These events provided a unique opportunity to learn directly about the Area 4 Rovuma LNG Project, connect with industry professionals, explore potential opportunities, and prepare for current and future business developments emerging from the project. Through seminars and training, the Supplier Relationship Management Portal (SRMP), and fostering strategic partnerships, MozUp—co-run by DAI and a women-owned Mozambican consultancy—is helping small and medium-sized businesses grow, compete, and drive economic progress in Mozambique. Find out more here: https://buff.ly/VS2nvgZ

???????? Accelerating transport reforms in Montenegro. Montenegro has made progress in the transport sector as part of its #EuropeanUnion #accession process, achieving significant level of preparedness in strategic development aligned with the Trans-European Transport Network (#TEN_T) framework. However, legislative gaps, project readiness, and administrative capacity still require targeted reforms and capacity-building to meet EU standards. Together with our partners, we have launched an EU-funded initiative on capacity building for enhanced transport sector performance—a key milestone in Montenegro’s accession journey. The project helps align transport policies with EU standards, strengthen institutions, and improve infrastructure planning and implementation. With a consortium led by DAI, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Enova Consultants and Engineers, we are leveraging global expertise and local knowledge to modernize transport, facilitate access to EU funding, and integrate Montenegro into the Trans-European Transport Network.? #EU I #Montenegro I European External Action Service I Ministarstvo saobra?aja Crne Gore I #EUAccession I #Transport I #Maritime I #Aviation I Nikoleta Radionov Karlovi? I László Sándor Kerényi I Milana Strbac I Bojana Lakovic I Milo? Baji? I

In Nigeria, the?Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office?funded?FCDO-PLANE Nigeria?project is working at the federal level and in three Northern states - Kano, Kaduna, and Jigawa to improve the delivery of quality basic education. An assessment of pupils in primary 1-3 in Kaduna state revealed a 25%-point reduction in the number of learners at the Beginner level after 2 years in the program. The PLANE project works to bring about sustainable improvements in learning outcomes for children across the country. Read more about DAI's work in education here:?https://buff.ly/42YgQX6 #UKaid Chinwendu Ojogwu Regina Edward-Uwadiale Dr Joe Abah