The Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of Austrian Development Cooperation, plans, finances and supports development programmes and projects on behalf of the Austrian Federal Government. In close cooperation with public institutions, non-governmental organisations, enterprises and local partners, the goal is to improve the living conditions of people in Africa, Asia, South-Eastern and Eastern Europe as well as the Caribbean, reduce poverty, secure peace and preserve the environment.

Via 12 offices abroad for the priority countries Kosovo, Albania, Moldova, Georgia and Armenia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, Bhutan as well as the Palestinian Territories, ADA maintains direct dialogue with the respective governments and other donors. This ensures that measures are conducted in close coordination and Austrian resources are put to the best use.

A major task of the Austrian Development Agency is to enter into dialogue with the public. In reports and discussions, ADA gives an account of the goals and achievements of Austrian Development Cooperation. Through public relations but also development communication and education, ADA provides information on how public funds are allocated and in collaboration with non-governmental organisations seeks to gain broad support for Austrian development-policy concerns.

The Managing Director of the Austrian Development Agency is Martin Ledolter. He heads a team of about 150 personnel. ADA is a public-benefit, non-profit limited liability company based in Vienna. Its goals and tasks have been laid down in the Development Cooperation Act. The strategies of Austrian Development Cooperation are specified by the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs.