Thirty-one months after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, many questions remain about how international aid dollars have been spent in the country. Up until now, a lack of data with which to address these questions has frustrated efforts to evaluate the impact of humanitarian and development projects on the daily lives of Haitian people and the long-term reconstruction process.

Today, we share a report about the effect these contracts have had on Haiti. The data we collected marks a serious contribution to untangling the twists and turns of the aid-money trail. Although international contracts represent only a small fraction of overall spending in Haiti (which has been reported to have been as much as $843 million in 2011) our analysis provides insight into the positive impact that business activity can have on local firms and the people they employ. Our report reveals a trail that leads to substantive growth, rather than to costly misallocation or waste.

A rare glimpse into the Haitian marketplace

This report, and the unique data it contains, demands the attention of Haiti’s political officials and G12 partners, who can take immediate action to increase economic growth in Haiti.

We look forward to the day when the “Republic of NGOs” becomes a “Republic of Entrepreneurs” in a prosperous, stable, and tourist-friendly state. Read the report and join us in supporting Haitian entrepreneurs.