Development Ratings

Sudden changes in customs duties may occur when multi-lateral development organisations are involved at the macro level for overall country development. These effectively move the goal posts for the local partner for releasing shipments. This tends to cause delays rather than any major issue.

Some of the smaller partners find it difficult to fund the release of shipments. Artisans are not prepared to pay for tools until they receive them and customs will not release shipments until duties have been paid. A revolving fund has been introduced in Uganda to forward funds for duties before they are reimbursed when the artisans pay their fees. This is not an issue for larger NGO partners.

Activities have been frozen in Zimbabwe, so the political risks of operating there do not currently apply.

As in Sierra Leone, a breakdown in communications may undermine relations with the local partner. In this case, shipments will continue with some combination of the new contacts that have been made. These new partners have been reviewed to ensure strong communication skills and commitment.