Localisation Beyond Words: Building Genuine Power and Trust in Development

Localisation in development is more than a buzzword—it is a call for meaningful action that shifts power, trust, and resources to local actors. While many international donors and organisations claim to prioritize local leadership, decision-making often remains concentrated in the Global North, limiting the ability of local partners to drive their own agendas.

True localisation requires more than transferring funds; it demands trust and genuine authority. Local actors must be empowered not just to implement projects, but to shape strategies, make key decisions, and define priorities based on their unique context and expertise.

Equally important is respecting and valuing local knowledge. Too often, “capacity building” is framed as Northern organisations teaching Southern partners, overlooking the wealth of experience, innovation, and insight already present in local contexts. Genuine partnerships recognise that knowledge flows both ways, creating opportunities for mutual learning and stronger, more sustainable solutions.

Without these deeper shifts, localisation risks becoming another donor-driven trend rather than a genuine movement for change. For development to be truly transformative, it must center local leadership, trust, and expertise—not just rhetoric.

In short: localisation is not about delegating tasks—it’s about rebalancing power, fostering equity, and building partnerships that genuinely work for local communities.