Democratic Republic of the Congo Integrated Governance Activity (IGA) – Quarterly Report FY 2020 Quarter Two: January 1 – March 31, 2020

The activity is implemented in five provinces – Kasai Central, Kasai Oriental, Lualaba, Haut Katanga, South Kivu – and the territory of Walikale. IGA's specific objectives are built around the interaction of the governance cycle, focusing on strengthening the capacity of select government institutions to fulfill their mandates, targeting subnational entities to collaborate with citizens for more effective development, and increasing citizen demand for accountable, transparent, and participatory services. The activity is implemented by DAI Global LLC, with subcontractors Geopoll and Integrity. During Quarter 2 of FY 2020, IGA adjusted project activities due to COVID-19 restrictions. The restrictions led to several cancellations of project events, but a good portion of activities were implemented by provincial IGA staff members in collaboration with local stakeholders. Highlights for this period include a team visit to Butembo in Nord Kivu, where the team met with local stakeholders leading to the subsequent opening of the Butembo office. A survey was also conducted to determine the needs of all four communes in Butembo and the nearby Chiefdom of Baswagha. IGA's progress in Quarter 2 is reflected in the following indicators: * 46 institutions/organizations making significant improvements based on recommendations made via USG-supported assessments, representing 82% of the annual target. * Completion of a guide for ETDs on how to manage mining royalties in Haut Katanga by a local civil society organization (CSO) with technical assistance provided by the project. * Initiation of two short-term consultancies on the management of the retrocession process and the identification of approaches to promote economic growth, although both were put on hold due to COVID-19. * Completion of the assessment of grant applications by CSOs and initiation of evaluations of successful applicants' financial and administrative capacities. * Completion of a series of surveys on local governments and surveys of schools and health centers by IGA subcontractor, Geopoll. The activity has made significant progress in strengthening the capacity of select government institutions, targeting subnational entities, and increasing citizen demand for accountable, transparent, and participatory services. Local actors are now actively participating in and facilitating many project activities, leading to what promises to be lasting sustainable practices.