Lawrence Speer

Lawrence Speer

Lawrence is a Paris-based correspondent and communications consultant who has been reporting and writing on development issues for more than 20 years. He covers French development assistance and has interviewed French Development Agency Director-General Dov Zerah for Devex News.

Latest Articles

African capacity-building champion seeks funding partners

African capacity-building champion seeks funding partners

over 15 years ago

The African Capacity Building Foundation has built a reputation as a prolific maker of African development leaders. As the nonprofit celebrates 20 years in business, its challenge remains attracting new donors to sustain the success of its capacity-building work.

The future of capacity building in Africa: A conversation with Frannie Léautier

The future of capacity building in Africa: A conversation with Frannie Léautier

over 15 years ago // Special Focus: Capacity Building in Africa

Capacity building holds the key to Africa’s success, according to Frannie Léautier, executive secretary of the African Capacity Building Foundation. In an exclusive interview with Devex, Léautier describes prospects and challenges to African capacity building and what the region can learn from emerging countries within and outside Africa.

OECD-DAC chief wants more donor attention to fragile states

OECD-DAC chief wants more donor attention to fragile states

over 15 years ago // MDG Summit – Exclusive Interview

World leaders must agree to concrete actions and time tables at this week’s Millennium Development Goals summit, according to the chief of OECD’s Development Assistance Committee. In an exclusive interview with Devex, Eckhard Deutscher says fragile states would require special attention as none of these countries has achieved a single MDG.

Dov Zerah: A ‘more aggressive’ AFD at 70

Dov Zerah: A ‘more aggressive’ AFD at 70

over 15 years ago // Exclusive Interview

France’s new foreign aid chief talks about his plans to increase the French Development Agency’s focus on Africa, infrastructure and renewable energy in the run-up to AFD’s 70th birthday next year.