The Austrian Development Agency (ADA) is the Operational Unit of the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC). It is in charge of implementing all bilateral programmes and projects in ADC's partner countries and administers the budget earmarked for this. Another focus of ADAs operations is education and information in Austria to convey the issue of development cooperation to a broader public.

Efficient division of labour

ADA bases its work on the Three-Year Programme on Austrian Development Policy, which is drafted by the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (MFA) and defines the key development policy positions and strategic framework of ADC. The division of labour between MFA and ADA ensures the coherence of government development policy and the efficient implementation of the statutory provisions in the Federal Development Cooperation Act.

Geographic network

ADC programmes and projects are implemented by ADA jointly with non-governmental organisations and enterprises in seven main regions at present. ADC always confers with the other donors and the European Union on its projects and works closely with governments and non-governmental organisations in partner countries. Sixteen offices abroad ensure direct, ongoing dialogue with the local partners and an efficient application of funds.