This summary outlines main findings from nine case studies that were undertaken between 2012 and 2014 as part of ODI's 'age of choice' project. The project aimed to explore the challenges and opportunities developing country governments experience managing a new aid landscape, particularly relating to the growth of  ‘non-traditional development assistance’ (NTDA). The case studies covered four Sub-Saharan African countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal and Zambia), two Asian (Cambodia and Timor-Leste) and three Pacific Island economies (Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu).

The paper reviews the six African and Asian countries (Cambodia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, Timor-Leste, Zambia) separately from the three Pacific Island States (Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu) due to the distinct geographical features of these countries (small island economies) and differences resulting from the dominance of Australia as a single donor in impacting the rationale for aid coordination mechanisms in the island states.