Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) — the process through which countries raise and spend their own funds to provide for their people – is the long-term path to sustainable development finance. DRM not only provides governments with the funds needed to alleviate poverty and deliver public services, but is also a critical step on the path out of aid dependence.

DRM does not necessarily mean new taxes or higher tax rates. Governments often see their revenues rise though improved audits or simplified filing processes. E3/EP provides technical expertise and training to help missions develop their own tax policy.

Successful DRM programs are highly cost-effective; they return many times what is invested in them. One analysis showed revenue increases amounting to $20 or more for every assistance dollar invested.

USAID currently spends approximately $20 million per year on DRM assistance in over 15 countries. DRM has gained even greater importance with the launch of the Addis Tax Initiative (ATI) in July 2015 with the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a founding member of the ATI, the U.S. government (USG) committed to substantially increase DRM spending to strengthen tax systems, mobilize public revenues, and take greater leadership in financing their own development. With an annual baseline of $26 million, the USG (USAID, U.S. Department of Treasury, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation) is already one of the largest contributors to DRM assistance of any country in the world.

DRM Resources

• What is DRM? (PDF 316KB)
• Case Studies - DRM in El Salvador (PDF 210KB) and in Georgia (PDF 239KB)
• DRM and Health Study
• Blog Posts
  • Blog on Domestic resources at forefront
  • MFAN blog on DRM
  • Gates blog

Domestic Resource Mobilization Dashboard

The following “dashboard(s)” (PDF 274KB) present selected revenue and budget-allocation trends for countries where USAID provides assistance on domestic resource mobilization (DRM) issues.  These tables are intended to provide a high-level picture of a country's progress towards improved DRM and increased spending on priority sectors.

Data are derived from publicly available sources as described in the notes accompanying the respective country dashboard.  Additional country dashboards will be included periodically, and all tables will be updated annually. 

Public Financial Management

To deliver the essential services needed to end extreme poverty, developing country governments must spend their resources in a transparent and accountable manner. In doing so, these governments can address the issues known to foster sustainable, broad-based economic growth, while supporting just, democratic societies. E3/EP’s Public Financial Management (PFM) staff often serves as advisors to missions to help these governments to build these skills.

Governments perform many economic functions, including developing macro-fiscal frameworks, formulating and executing budgets, and reporting to oversight institutions and the public-at-large. Progress continues to be made in recent decades, and many developing countries are improving their skills to deliver the core functions of government that affect public service delivery.