From the Head of GPOBA

In this first edition of OBA Connections for 2016, we are proud to recognize the winners of the Third Annual Inn-OBA-tions Awards, given to OBA/RBF projects exemplifying collaboration, social inclusion/green technology, pioneering, and in a new category: governance. This year's winners include projects in the West Bank, Indonesia, Moldova and Uganda.

Coinciding with the publication of GPOBA's education scoping study and recent webinar, we also highlight OBA/RBF in education. We present examples of innovative financing in the sector, along with work from a range of development partners in education and skills training.

Recent GPOBA papers explore financing innovations for water and sanitation in East Africa based on real-time project experience.

One of the great challenges of our time is illustrated in this edition's infographic-- a map produced by the World Economic Forum demonstrating the dramatic population migration into some of the world's largest cities -- by the hour.

We trust this issue provides you with food for thought and action in 2016!

Catherine Commander O'Farrell

Inn-OBA-tions Awards for OBA/RBF Projects 

At the Third Annual Inn-OBA-tions Awards held in January, GPOBA recognized outstanding achievements in applying output-based aid and results-based finance for projects in solid waste management (West Bank), carbon finance (Moldova), improved local governance (Indonesia), and rural electrification (Uganda). Read more about these fascinating projects.

OBA/RBF in Education: Scoping Study and Webinar

GPOBA and the  Results for Development Institute (R4D), have completed a scoping study on the education sector, analyzing the use of OBA/RBF to provide access to quality education in developing countries. The recent webinar presents the results from 24 education projects and discusses the future of this innovative financing in education, given the World Bank's commitment to double funding over the next five years in this sector.

Select Resources for OBA/RBF in Education

Fact Sheet: The Rise of Results-Based Financing in Education (World Bank Group)

Blogpost: Myth-busting: what happens when you link payments to results in education projects (World Bank Group)

Video: Results-Based Financing in Education (World Bank Group in Pakistan, India, Tanzania)

Report: "Results-based Financing in Technical and Vocational Training: A step-by-step implementation guide"  (Helvetas Nepal, Employment Fund, World Bank, DFID)

Animation: "Results-based financing in skills development" (Employment Fund)

Recent GPOBA publications explore innovative financing concepts for water and sanitation projects (see also the 'Maji ni Maisha' video on GPOBA's work in Kenya).

Booklet: Results-based financing for water service providers in Kenya

Note: Scaling up blended financing of water and sanitation investments in Kenya

Urban Growth Challenges Worldwide . . . by the hour

Cities are growing so fast, they aren't keeping up with demand for infrastructure and services. OBA/RBF approaches can be used as one part of larger development finance solutions to reach informal settlements where basic services are needed most. This map from the World Economic Forum illustrates the magnitude of the challenge, showing the number of new arrivals each hour. Read more.