What is the purpose of the AfrEA 2024 Conference?
The 11th AfrEA Conference 2024 aims to provide a platform for professionals, researchers, students, and policymakers worldwide to share insights, best practices, and innovations in the field of monitoring and evaluation.
Where will the Conference be held?
The 11th. AfrEA Conference will be held at the Kigali Serena Hotel, located on an enchanting boulevard in the Heart of Kigali, Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills. It is located in a secure location just a five-minute walk from the CBD. A distinctively rich blend of Rwandan heritage, art and culture with contemporary 5-star comfort in 148 sophisticated rooms and suites, Serena Kigali hotel provides a private
Who should attend the conference?
The conference is open to members of AFrEA Voluntary Organisations for Professional Evaluation (VOPEs) and Young and Emerging Evaluators (YEEs), youth, monitoring and evaluation professionals, Parliamentarians, researchers, academics, policymakers, students in colleges and Universities, refugees, persons with disabilities, development partners and anyone interested in advancing the understanding and practice of monitoring and evaluation in Africa and globally.
How can I register for the conference?
Registration details can be found on the conference website at: https://afrea.org/conference. Participants can register online by filling out the registration form and following the specified instructions.
How can I book for accommodation?
Accommodation will be booked by the Conference Organiser on a first-come-first-served basis at selected Hotels near the Conference venue at the Kigali Serena Hotel. Besides this, you may wish to make your personal accommodation arrangements at a hotel of your choice near the Conference venue, commensurate with your budget. We request that you conduct due diligence before making any online payments to any Hotel other than the ones recommended by the Organisers information of which is available in the Housing Bureau page.
What topics will be covered at the conference?
The conference will cover a wide range of topics related to Made in Africa Evaluation, Indigenous Evaluation, Youth Led Evaluations, monitoring, and evaluation, including best practices, emerging trends, technological innovations, impact assessment, and capacity building in the field. The full list of the topics to be covered is available in the Conference FACTSHEET link provided.
Is there financial assistance available for participants from low-income countries?
The conference organisers are actively exploring opportunities for financial assistance, including travel grants and reduced registration fees [for early bird registration and discounts for the Young and Emerging Evaluators], and for participants from low-income countries. However, now, AfrEA does not have any scholarship support to Conference presenters or participants. So, you will have to look for alternative funding to participate in the Conference. For a few Strands which are fully sponsored by some Donors, especially on Climate Change; Young and Emerging Evaluators and on Gender and Equity, the Sponsors will connect directly to the persons whose Abstracts have been accepted for presentation, on condition that they are already registered for the Conference on a first-come first-served basis.
Can I participate virtually if I am unable to attend in person?
Due to funding limitations, the conference will be largely face to face in Kigali except for the three Presidential Strand Plenary Sessions where we shall have a blended presentations with simultaneous translations in English and French. The Plenary Sessions will be streamed live on social media allowing those separated by time and space to take part in the Sessions. We may have recordings of these sessions which may be accessible after the Conference.
Will there be networking opportunities at the conference?
Yes, the conference will provide various networking opportunities, including dedicated networking sessions and online platforms for participants to connect with each other, share experiences, and build professional relationships. The conference will provide ample opportunities for networking through workshops, panel discussions, exhibition spaces, side events, and social events. Attendees will have the chance to connect with professionals from around the world, fostering potential collaborations and partnerships. Between 300 and 500 participants are expected to attend the conference, primarily from the African continent.
How can organizations become sponsors or exhibitors at the conference?
Information on sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, including benefits and contact details is available on our Prospectus [Link provided at www.afrea.org]. Interested organizations can reach out to the designated contacts for sponsorship inquiries.
Will there be opportunities for professional development and training?
There will be two days of pre-conference workshops and training sessions as part of the Conference Programme. These will be held on Monday, 18 March 2024 and Tuesday, 19 March 2024. Check the conference agenda regularly for details and any developments on professional development opportunities associated with the event.
Can I submit a proposal to present at the conference at this point in time?
We do not accept any abstracts now. All the abstracts for presentations, workshops, and posters have already been reviewed and results communicated to both the successful and unsuccessful candidates. Now, we are incorporating the accepted abstracts into the programme on a first-come-first-served basis as per the registration of the Presenters. Please note that you are welcome to participate in the conference even if you have no paper to present. Your lived experiences and knowledge can improve the evaluation practice in Africa.
Will the conference proceedings be published?
Yes, selected papers and presentations from the conference will be compiled into proceedings and may be published in Special Editions of the African Evaluation Journal (AEJ) and a Conference Proceedings Compendium, and shall be made available online, contributing to the broader knowledge base in the field of monitoring and evaluation.
How can I stay updated on conference announcements and news?
Regular updates, including announcements, program schedules, and important information, will be posted on the conference website at: https://afrea.org/conference. Participants are encouraged to follow the conference’s social media channels for real-time updates. We are available on LinkedIn, on Twitter (X) and on Facebook.
What COVID-19 precautions are in place for the conference?
The conference organisers are closely monitoring the global situation and will implement necessary precautions to ensure the safety of all participants. Details on COVID-19 guidelines, including vaccination requirements and hygiene measures, will be communicated closer to the event date.
What are the visa requirements for entering Rwanda?
Rwanda is a VISA free country for most countries. All countries in Africa do not require a Visa to travel to Rwanda. To determine whether you will require a VISA to travel to Rwanda, please visit this page. Citizens of a select number of countries (including the U.S. and the U.K.) may obtain their visas upon arrival in Rwanda for a fee of US$30. All other travellers who require visas must obtain them from their country of residence prior their trip.
Citizens of the following countries are eligible for VISA on arrival: Australia, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, Republic of South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States of America. They will be issued with entry VISA valid for a period up to 30 days and pay for a visa ($50) upon arrival without prior application.
As of 1st January 2018, nationals of all countries receive a VISA on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. Arriving guests with passports from commonwealth, Francophonie’s, AU countries are eligible for Free entry VISA.