Private finance - a means or an end?

November 2026

Blog: Civil society organisations are leaning into the ‘private finance first’ agenda. But in the race to be “relevant” and “innovative” and – if we’re honest – to shore up our own declining coffers, are we failing to ask the right questions? Do we really understand whether and under what conditions private investment can contribute to social equity and gender justice?  

In this blog, published by Bond, GADN suggests that the UK government should take a far more nuanced and evidence-based approach to private finance for development that prioritises social justice goals, promotes better impact assessments and centres the knowledge of those who understand how to deliver social change.