From the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.
UNDP and JICA renew Partnership Agreement under the Fiduciary Monitoring Agent (FMA) framework in Iraq
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Iraq Office have signed the 16th renewal of their Partnership Agreement, reaffirming their shared commitment to support the Government of Iraq (GoI) in ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective management of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan-financed projects. The renewed agreement takes effect from the date of signature and remains valid for one year ahead.
To date, JICA has committed 36 Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans, including two Development Policy Loans, totalling over USD 11 billion. Implemented by the GoI through its Executing Agencies (EAs), these projects have supported the rehabilitation of socio-economic infrastructure, the improvement of public services, and the promotion of economic diversification across the country, many of which have drawn on Japanese technology and expertise.
Since the establishment of the JICA-UNDP partnership in 2009, this collaboration has provided a structured mechanism through which UNDP, by the Fiduciary Monitoring Agent (FMA) function, promotes transparency, coordination, and good governance in the implementation of JICA-financed projects by the EAs. The FMA arrangement also supports the resolution of implementation challenges and the formulation of new projects by the GoI, while contributing to the strengthening of institutional capacity within the EAs and oversight ministries to ensure effective and accountable management of ODA loan-financed projects.
“Today’s renewal reaffirmed the strength of this unique partnership among JICA, the GoI, including the Prime Minister’s Advisory Commission (PMAC) and EAs, the Government of Japan (GoJ), and UNDP. Through close cooperation and teamwork, we have long advanced the implementation of national development projects across Iraq. As Iraq continues its development journey, JICA aims to further enable the GoI to formulate projects more independently in response to the country’s evolving development needs, while combining JICA’s technical expertise with UNDP’s insights on development policy. Looking ahead, we are committed to deepening this collaboration through new and forward-looking approaches that further contribute to Iraq’s sustainable progress,” said Hiroshi Suzuki, JICA Iraq Chief Representative.
The partnership’s embedded and adaptive approach has proven effective in enabling JICA, UNDP, and the GoI to collaborate under Iraq’s complex governance environment. It continues to evolve in response to Iraq’s changing development priorities and institutional landscape — from post-conflict reconstruction to sustainable growth, economic diversification, improved public service delivery, and institutional strengthening.
“This partnership with JICA represents one of the most enduring and trusted development collaborations in Iraq. For more than a decade, the Fiduciary Monitoring Agent framework has embodied what true partnership looks like — transparency, national ownership, and the confidence to keep building even when the environment is difficult. Together with JICA and the Government of Iraq, we are laying the governance foundations for Iraq’s next generation of infrastructure and growth.” said Titon Mitra, UNDP Iraq Resident Representative.
As Iraq advances the implementation of its National Development Plan 2024-2028, the renewed Partnership Agreement underscores the continued trust and collaboration among JICA, GoI, and UNDP. The FMA framework remains a distinctive development partnership model that promotes transparency, accountability, and institutional capacity in the implementation of financier-supported projects, offering a valuable example of coordinated development financing in Iraq.
(Source: UNDP)
