The Reducing Red Tape methodology was developed in the context of the GIZ Local Economic Development project in South Africa. The methodology’s objective is to use red tape issues identified during a local economic development process as an opportunity to get the local government, private sector, and civil society to work together to address the red tape issues and build trust. Following the completion of the project, Shawn Cunningham and Mattia Wegmann published a manual to equip facilitators to guide red tape reduction processes. Here is the link to the Reducing Red Tape Manual

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Mesopartner has applied the red tape reduction methodology in several countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Ghana and Rwanda. Participants in our training events have also used and adapted the methodology in their contexts.

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Over the past decade, the Reducing Red Tape Methodology has evolved and been applied in diverse contexts. For example, supply chain development experts used the methodology to enhance the interaction between small enterprises and a large company by identifying and addressing red tape in the supply chain and procurement department. A provincial government also adapted the methodology to tackle red tape issues between different spheres of government, showcasing its ongoing relevance and adaptability. Our work to improve the resilience of the meso level and the quality of services provided by public intermediaries also included the Red Tape Methodology. We developed an online course: access the online course here.

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In 2022, we launched a narrative survey (using Sensemaker) that can help an organisation to continuously scan for and respond to red tape or service anecdotes and experiences identified by users or citizens. You can try the survey demonstrator here: Red Tape Reduction Sensemaker Collector.

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We invite you to explore our Reducing Red Tape Methodology and the Red Tape Sensemaker. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you understand and utilise these valuable resources.