It Takes Two to Tango - Does ‘Municipal Partnership’ promote mutuality and equality between Global North and South partners?

Abstract: The partnership-based approach in international development cooperation is believed to bring a more balanced relationship between the actors than traditional development approaches. However, previous studies have revealed limitations in achieving a mutual relationship between the partners. This study examines the relationship and the power dynamic between the partners participating in a partnership called ‘municipal partnership’, operated by the Swedish non-profit organisation ICLD. Applying the partnership approach and participatory development aspects, as conceptual groundings, this study explores whether the partnership between the Swedish and African (Kenya and Zambia) municipalities can be understood as a mutual relationship and if it brings more power balance. The thesis further explores the impact of this partnership on local development. Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings show that the municipal partnership promotes mutuality to a great extent as there are no pre-set conditions, and the entire process is formulated based on the agreement between the partners. However, participants from Sweden and Africa showed different opinions regarding the power dynamic. The findings indicate that the municipal partnership brings mutuality and a balanced relationship between the partners in terms of the programme process but still has limitations in achieving power equality due to the structural barriers.