Bridging Continents: AfrEA and EBRD Champion the #MadeinAfricaEvaluation Vision

On 15 October 2025, the digital stage was set for a pivotal exchange of ideas as the Independent Evaluation Department (IEvD) of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) hosted a powerful virtual dialogue with the African Evaluation Association (AfrEA).

At the center of this conversation was AfrEA President, Dr. Miché Ouédraogo, who reflected on a transformative 25-year journey defined by resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to the #MadeinAfricaEvaluation concept.

A Gateway to Strategic Collaboration

This session was more than a retrospective; it marked a significant milestone for future cooperation. With the EBRD planning to expand its evaluation interventions across the African continent, this dialogue served as a strategic gateway for partnership.

The discussion opened new doors for shared learning, signaling a move towards a more interconnected global evaluation community where African perspectives are not just included, but prioritized.

Voices of Impact

The session was further enriched by the insights of Sajilu Kamwendo from the Mastercard Foundation. His intervention was a source of inspiration, reaffirming the critical need for African-led evaluation systems that center on:

• Equity: Ensuring fair and inclusive assessment frameworks.
• Youth: Engaging the next generation of evaluators.
• Local Knowledge: Valuing indigenous context over imported metrics.

As AfrEA continues to champion inclusive, context-driven evaluation, this engagement signals a promising step toward both continental impact and global recognition.

The #MadeinAfricaEvaluation journey is gaining global momentum, shifting the narrative from external oversight to internal empowerment.