b'Improving the GovernanceSystems that UnderpinProgress towards the SDGsWe work with governments toEnhancing accountability and Our current focus: Generating revenue throughstrengthen their ability to mobiliseinclusion through better dataeffective taxation systemsresources and transparently managemanagement in Nepal According to the OECD, lost revenues due to tax evasion or poorly functioning them. This helps them deliver goodNepal suffered nearly 20 years of civil war andtax systems in developing countries cost governments significantly more than governance and better services,continued instability fuelled by caste-based,they receive in aid. This is money foregone that could have been spent on better accelerating inclusive growth. ethnic and geographical inequalities. As part healthcare and education, or investment in critical infrastructure like roads and of the path towards peace, the country adopted electricity. Many countries, however, dont have accurate data to understand In countries around the world, Covid-19 hasa new constitution in 2015 that created a whole their tax base and identify non-compliance. required a redirection of finances to fight thenew federal system of decentralised government.In Malawi and Sierra Leone, we are supporting the national revenue authoritiespandemic, while it has reduced economic activity.Public funds are now channelled to 753 separateto set up electronic systems which simplify tax filings, payments and Yet with even more limited financial resourceslocal government entities to ensure the decision- accounting. This will contribute to the governments securing a higher level of tax at their disposal, governments are still required making and accountability for delivering basicrevenue from businesses and individuals that can afford to pay, while improving to deliver quality public services and attractservices is held at local level. To make this work,transparency and the reliability of data needed to better manage public finances.foreign investment.At Crown Agents, we specialise in supportinga new approach to managing public finances transparently and effectively was required.Increasing transparency and accountability in the deliverypartners to identify and implement practicalThrough the FCDO-funded Improving Publicof health and education services in Zambiasolutions to the problems they face in managing public funds. Our success lies in building trustedFinancial Management and Accountability, In Zambia, Crown Agents has provided training to hundreds of public officials relationships with government ministries andPhase 2 Programme in Nepal, Crown Agentsacross the country aimed at increasing accountability around the delivery other relevant stakeholders, which then enablesengaged a team of Nepali software specialistsof public health and education services. The USAID-funded Accountable us to respond in a politically informed and agileto develop the Subnational Treasury RegulatoryGovernance for Service Delivery Project (USAID/AGIS) works directly with the way to our partners needs. Application (SuTRA), a financial managementMinistries of Health and Education and provincial and district governments system which includes modules on budgeting,to strengthen public financial management, particularly in accounting and accounting and financial reporting.procurement. This has helped to ensure the timely delivery of textbooksSuTRA makes it possible to track expenditureto schools and improve accountability for public spending right downbased on gender, ethnicity, caste and geography. to the health facility level. Already used by more than 700 of Nepals 753Training senior leaders: Crown Agents unique track recordmunicipalities, SuTRA has enabled transparent reporting on spending to elected officials andSince 1960, weve enhanced the capability of more than 60,000 professionals citizens, which, in turn, plays a critical role inin over 100 countries who, having completed one of our training courses, have underpinning the wider post-conflict politicalreturned to their government ministries and businesses better equipped and settlement and ensures resources are allocatedinspired to drive change. Highly practical and covering a wide range of topics to historically marginalised groups. such as leadership, financial management and policy-making, our training and professional development programmes provide participants with a set of skills that they then deploy to deliver real impact.93%of municipalities use the SuTRA system to ensure a fairer allocation of government resources28 29'