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AfrEA@25: A Legacy of Growth, Innovation, and Impact
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As we stand on the threshold of AfrEA’s 25th anniversary, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the journey we have undertaken together.
From our humble beginnings to becoming a leading voice in African evaluation, AfrEA has grown into a dynamic force, shaping the landscape of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) across the continent.
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AfrEA was founded with
a vision; to create a platform for African evaluators to exchange
knowledge, build capacity, and advocate for contextually relevant evaluation
practices. Over the years, we have:
- Expanded our reach to include national evaluation
associations across Africa.
- Strengthened capacity-building initiatives, equipping evaluators with cutting-edge
skills.
- Championed the Made in Africa Evaluation
(MAE) approach, ensuring
that evaluation reflects Africa’s unique realities.
- Forged global partnerships, positioning African evaluators as key
contributors to international evaluation discourse.
So why should we celebrate?
Our 25th
anniversary is not just a milestone; it is a testament to the resilience,
dedication, and collective efforts of our community. We celebrate because:
- AfrEA has empowered thousands of
evaluators, fostering a
new generation of professionals.
- Our advocacy has influenced policies, ensuring that evaluation is recognized
as a tool for development.
- We have built a strong network, connecting evaluators across Africa and
beyond.
As we gather in Addis
Ababa in June 2025 to commemorate this historic occasion, we do so with a
renewed commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and impact. The future of
AfrEA is bright, and together, we will continue to shape the evaluation
landscape for generations to come.
To every member,
partner, and supporter, we say “thank you” for being part of this
incredible journey. Let us celebrate AfrEA at 25 with pride, reflection,
and a shared vision for the future.
Ms. Rosetti
Nabbumba Nayenga
11th President, African Evaluation Association.
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The AfrEA Young and Emerging Evaluators (YEE) Network |
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The Young and Emerging Evaluators (YEE) Network under the African Evaluation Association (AfrEA) was established to foster the growth and development of young professionals in the field of evaluation. The network emerged as part of a broader global movement advocating for youth participation in evaluation, ensuring that young evaluators are not only included but actively contribute to shaping evaluation practices.
Sustainability and development AfrEA ensures sustainability of its YEEs through various capacity building, professional development and advocacy activities:
- Training and Mentorship: The network is supported with structured mentorship programs, connecting young evaluators with experienced professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Workshops and Conferences: YEEs participate in regional and international evaluation conferences, where they present research, share insights, and engage in discussions on evaluation methodologies.
- Networking and Collaboration: The network fosters connections among young evaluators across Africa, linking them to global evaluation communities and professional organizations.
- Advocacy for Youth Participation: YEEs actively promote youth-participatory evaluation, advocating for a shift from evaluation on youth to evaluation with and by youth.
- Innovation in Evaluation: The network encourages young evaluators to leverage technology and innovative approaches to enhance evaluation practices.
Impact
The AfrEA YEE Network has significantly contributed to the professionalization and institutionalization of evaluation in Africa:
- Increased Youth Engagement: The network has successfully positioned young evaluators as key contributors to the global evaluation culture.
- Capacity Building: Through mentorship and training, YEEs have developed strong technical skills, enabling them to conduct high-quality evaluations.
- Policy Influence: The network’s advocacy efforts have led to greater recognition of youth-led evaluation in policy discussions and decision-making processes.
- Sustainability of Evaluation Practices: By nurturing young talent, the network ensures the long-term sustainability of evaluation practices in Africa.
The AfrEA YEE Network continues to empower young evaluators, fostering a dynamic and inclusive evaluation community that drives meaningful change across the continent. Recognizing the important role of the network, AfrEA has reserved space for two representatives from the AfrEA YEE network in its Board of Directors, one from Anglophone Africa, and the other, from Francophone Africa.
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AfrEA launches revamped website |
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We are thrilled to introduce
the revamped African Evaluation Association (AfrEA) website, now live at
www.afrea.org.
Designed with our valued
community in mind, this enhanced platform offers a more user-friendly
experience and better showcases AfrEA’s mission, core values, and initiatives,
reinforcing our commitment to strengthening evaluation practices across Africa.
What’s New?
- Improved navigation & accessibility:
Find information about AfrEA faster with a cleaner, more intuitive design.
- A better and more professional design: A
refined design that features a concise message with clear typography, a
professional layout, and strategic use of branding elements to enhance
credibility.
- Enhanced member services: Easy
access to resources, networking, and professional development
opportunities. Our improved payment system guarantees seamless transaction
for acquiring AfrEA membership, allowing you to focus on engaging with the
vibrant evaluation community.
- Latest news: Stay updated
with the latest developments from the AfrEA Secretariat and AfrEA VOPEs,
shaping the future of evaluation in Africa. From groundbreaking
initiatives to collaborative efforts, we continue to strengthen our
network and drive impactful change across the continent.
- Support for AfrEA’s mission:
Our new donation feature allows partners to make a financial contribution
to AfrEA and to the strengthening evaluation practices across Africa.
Exciting Features Coming
Soon
Over the coming weeks, we
will be rolling out additional features to make the platform even more
impactful. These include amongst others:
- The French version of the website to accommodate
French-speaking members and stakeholders.
- The Africa Evaluators Database, a comprehensive
resource showcasing evaluation experts across the continent.
- VOPE Profiles which will showcase AfrEA
VOPE’s ensuring the most accurate representation of their work.
We invite you to explore the
new website, engage with its features, and stay tuned for further enhancements.
Your feedback is invaluable, so please let us know what you think!
AfrEA thanks you for being an integral
part of its journey.
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Preparations in full swing for AfrEA@25 |
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The 25th Anniversary celebration of the Africa Evaluation Association (AfrEA) is fast approaching, and we are thrilled to invite you to this landmark event! Join us from 16 to 18 June 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as we commemorate a quarter-century of impactful evaluation practices in Africa.
Why You Should Attend - Inspiring Discussions: Engage with leading experts shaping the future of evaluation on the continent.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow professionals, practitioners, and thought leaders.
- Exclusive Benefits: Take advantage of discounted rates for flights and hotels, making your experience even more seamless.
Registration Details - Fee: $400 USD
- Process: After registration, Prana Events, our official conference organization partner, will reach out to finalize all participation arrangements. For logistical concerns, Elisabet, their focal contact, is available at elsabet@pranaevents.net.
For more information, feel free to contact us at conference@afrea.org.
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INCE in Africa is launched at AfrEA Head Office |
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The global evaluation community witnessed a pivotal moment in the
journey towards fostering evidence-based governance and impactful policy-making
in Africa, with the official launch of activities to undertake the National
Evaluation Capacities Index (INCE) in the continent on Tuesday 25 March 2025. Hosted at the
Headquarters of the African Evaluation Association in Accra, Ghana, the event
brought together renowned evaluators, development practitioners, government
representatives, and stakeholders committed to advancing national evaluation
capacities across the continent.
Distinguished speakers delivered remarks and highlighted their respective organizations' unwavering commitment
to the vision of INCE.
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The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, Director General of Ghana’s National Development and Planning Commission (NDPC) who noted that the INCE will enable Ghana to assess its national evaluation
capacities, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to
strengthen its evaluation system. This, she said, is critical for effective
development, as it will enable the government to make informed decisions, track
progress, and evaluate the impact of its policies and programs.
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Dr. Audrey delivering welcome address |
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Dr. Sven Harten, Deputy Director of DEval, on the line from Germany,
expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the event and called on participants
to use the INCE to strengthen their national evaluation capacities.
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A communication was delivered by Mr. Abdoulaye Gounou from Benin on his
country’s experience in the evaluation domain. He outlined a timeline of Benin’s
milestones to today’s robust evaluation system.
That communication was followed
by the INCE facilitators Juan and Celeste from DEval and WFP respectively. They
highlighted the origin of the INCE and how it has impacted national evaluation
systems in Latin America, the only continent where the INCE has been
implemented since its inception.
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Dr. Miché Ouédraogo, President of AfrEA, launching INCE in Africa
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AfrEA’s President, Dr. Miché Ouédraogo launched
the program in a speech where he urged all stakeholders within the African and
global evaluation ecosystem to support AfrEA's mission in promoting evaluations
that contribute to real and sustainable development in Africa. He invited participants to AfrEA’s Silver Jubilee celebration from June 16-18,
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2025 in Addis Ababa, an event he said will bring together Heads of State, Ambassadors, leading experts, policymakers, development partners, researchers from Africa and beyond to discuss expanding the reach of the "Made in Africa Evaluation" concept and the importance of the African Evaluation Principles (AEP) in guiding national evaluation processes.
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The launch of the INCE in Africa was followed by a 4-day training in Accra that brought together dedicated participants from 25 to 28 March 2025 to refine their knowledge on national evaluation systems and empower evidence-driven decision-making! - Day 1 witnessed an insightful analysis of national evaluation systems, setting the stage for cross-country learning.
- Day 2 saw participants exploring the INCE tool and data collection essentials, sparking valuable insights! Key feedback highlighted the need for flexibility while maintaining global consistency.
- Day 3 took a deep dive into contextualization as participants brainstormed ways to tailor the tool to Africa’s diverse landscapes. A highlight? The engaging role play session where stakeholders tackled real-world evaluation challenges!
- Day 4 was marked by reflections, evaluation of the training, and charting the path forward as participants prepare to implement the INCE in their respective countries.
AfrEA is proud to collaborate with the German Institute for Development Evaluation (DEval) and World Food Programme to champion this milestone in advancing impactful evaluation across the continent.
We extend heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all participants and facilitators!
View photos of the INCE launch and training.
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AfrEA President visits strategic partners in Ghana |
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During an official trip to Ghana in March 2025, the President of the AfrEA paid a courtesy visit to two pivotal partners in the country; the Mastercard Foundation and the African Capacity Building Foundation. |
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African Capacity Building Foundation |
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The AfrEA President, Dr. Miché Ouédraogo,
accompanied by the Executive Director Carlos AKLIGO and Communications Specialist Caleb Ayong, paid a courtesy visit to the Ghana Office of the Mastercard Foundation. He met with Marilyn Aniwa, Lead, Evidence and Learning.
The President used the occasion to express AfrEA’s gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for its continuous support.
He also highlighted AfrEA’s Strategic Plan which runs from 2024 to 2028, whose implementation is benefitting significantly from grants by the Mastercard Foundation, as well as other AfrEA initiatives, including the celebration of the association’s 25th anniversary.
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Accompanied by the Executive Director Carlos AKLIGO and Communications Specialist Caleb Ayong, the AfrEA President, Dr. Miché Ouédraogo, paid a courtesy visit to The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) Regional Office for West and Central Africa in Accra, Ghana where he met with Mr. Edem Messa-Gavo, Senior Impact Measurement Officer.
The AfrEA President expressed deep gratitude for ACBF's unwavering support, as both organizations explore partnership opportunities.
AfrEA extends sincere appreciation to Mr. Mamadou Biteye OBE, Executive Secretary of ACBF for his continued commitment to fostering impactful development.
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AfrEA
VOPE in Mozambique strengthens collaboration with government
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On April 4,
the Mozambican Monitoring and Evaluation Association (AMMA) held a courtesy
meeting with the National Directorate for Monitoring and Evaluation of the
Ministry of Planning and Development (DNMA), following a request from this
government entity. The objective was for DNMA to explore synergies with the
Association to help build capacity for monitoring governance activities in the
country, as part of the newly approved 2025-2030 Government Action Plan.
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The AMMA team after meeting with government officials. |
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The meeting
highlighted AMMA's visibility from its stakeholder engagement actions,
including the first national evaluation conference held in May 2023. DNMA and
AMMA appointed technical focal points to draft a collaboration memorandum for
ministerial endorsement once technically agreed upon.
AfrEA
commends the Mozambican government's interest in collaborating directly with
AMMA.
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AfrEA VOPEs in Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal co-organise International Women's Day webinar
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On March 8, 2025, the Ivorian Initiative for Evaluation (2IEval) and the Senegalese Evaluation Association (SenEval) joined forces to commemorate International Women’s Day with a high-impact webinar focused on how to respond to a call for papers. The event aimed to strengthen the skills of evaluators, young and emerging professionals, and other stakeholders in crafting competitive abstracts for conferences, journals, and research initiatives.
The webinar provided participants with practical guidance on:
- Understanding the concept of a call for papers – Breaking down the purpose and expectations of academic and professional calls.
- Analyzing a call for papers – Identifying key themes, requirements, and submission guidelines.
- Choosing a suitable topic – Aligning research interests with the objectives of the call.
- Writing and structuring a proposal – Crafting compelling abstracts with clarity and precision.
- Accessing necessary resources and data – Leveraging credible sources to strengthen submissions.
The session empowered attendees with essential skills to navigate the competitive landscape of academic and professional publishing. Participants gained:
- Confidence in submitting proposals for conferences and journals.
- Enhanced writing techniques to structure abstracts effectively.
- Networking opportunities with experienced evaluators and mentors.
By equipping evaluators with these critical skills, 2IEval and SenEval reaffirmed their commitment to capacity-building and knowledge-sharing within the African evaluation community. AfrEA congratulates the two VOPEs for promoting the spirit of collaboration and for coming up with the excellent initiative.
Watch the webinar (in French)
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2IEval and AILYSE build capacity on the use
of AI in evaluation
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On 28 March 2025, AfrEA VOPE, the Ivorian Initiative for Evaluation (2IEval), in partnership with
AILYSE organised a webinar focusing on how Generative AI is revolutionizing
evaluation practices through real-world applications at the United Nations.
This workshop provided a hands-on approach
to leveraging AI tools for analyzing data, uncovering insights, and scaling
evaluations efficiently and effectively. Participants explored various case
studies from the UN including;
- AI Interview Transcript Analysis where insights were provided on how AI analyzed 50 interview
transcripts for UNHCR, generating actionable insights through thematic and
segment-specific analysis.
- AI Avatar Interviewer where they saw how AI avatars conducted 50 interviews in 2 days,
enabling culturally sensitive, multilingual data collection with unprecedented
speed and depth.
- AI Document Review where they had a better understanding of how AI analyzed 700
management responses/survey responses across 160 evaluation reports in 5
languages for UNICEF, and identified key barriers and enablers.
Through a step-by-step tutorial, attendees gained
practical skills to use AI for analyzing interview transcripts, survey
responses, and reports, and even create AI avatar interviewers tailored to
their needs.
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CAMSEE Hosts Transformative Training on AI-Powered Excel and Power BI
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On March 30, 2025, the Cameroon Society of English Speaking Evaluators (CAMSEE), an AfrEA VOPE, conducted a virtual training on AI-powered Excel and Power BI.
The event brought together evaluation professionals eager to enhance their data analysis and visualization skills, equipping them with cutting-edge tools to improve their evaluation work.
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Key Highlights of the TrainingParticipants engaged in an interactive learning experience covering: - AI/VBA Tools in Excel – Exploring automation techniques to streamline data processing and analysis.
- Data Visualization with Power BI – Learning to create dynamic dashboards and reports for impactful decision-making.
- Practical Skills for Evaluation Work – Applying AI-driven analytics to real-world evaluation scenarios.
Impact and TakeawaysThe training empowered attendees with advanced technical skills, enabling them to: - Automate repetitive tasks in Excel using AI-powered features.
- Develop compelling visualizations to communicate evaluation findings effectively.
- Enhance decision-making through data-driven insights.
AfrEA congratulates CAMSEE for this brillian initiative which demnstrates leadership in bridging technology and evaluation, ensuring professionals stay ahead in an increasingly data-driven world.
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AfrEA at IDEAS 2025: Strengthening Africa’s Voice in Global Evaluation
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AfrEA made a significant impact at the IDEAS 2025 Conference, held from March 4 to 6, 2025, at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The conference, themed "Multi-dimensional Evaluation for Influence and Transformation," brought together global experts to discuss evaluation’s role in shaping policy, sustainability, and equity.
AfrEA’s Contributions
AfrEA’s delegation, led by the Vice President, Dr. Awuor PONGE, and comprising other Board members, and members of the AfrEA Council of Elders, actively participated in panel discussions, roundtables, and professional development workshops. Their contributions focused on:
- Strengthening Evaluation Capacity in Africa: AfrEA showcased its initiatives in building evaluation expertise across the continent.
- Youth and Emerging Evaluators: The AfrEA Young and Emerging Evaluators (YEE) Network highlighted its efforts in mentoring and empowering young professionals.
- Equity and Inclusion in Evaluation: AfrEA emphasized the importance of culturally responsive evaluation practices tailored to Africa’s diverse contexts.
Key Highlights
AfrEA’s presence reinforced Africa’s leadership in global evaluation discourse. Some key moments included:
- Presentation on SDG Evaluation: AfrEA experts shared insights on how evaluation can drive sustainable development in Africa.
- Networking with Global Partners: The conference provided opportunities for AfrEA to collaborate with international organizations and strengthen partnerships.
- Recognition of African Innovations: AfrEA’s work in participatory evaluation and indigenous knowledge systems was widely acknowledged.
Looking Ahead
AfrEA’s engagement at IDEAS 2025 marks another milestone in its mission to advance evaluation practices in Africa. The association continues to advocate for inclusive, impactful, and locally driven evaluation approaches, ensuring that Africa’s voice remains strong in global evaluation conversations.
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IEO - IFAD hosts ECG 2025 Spring Meeting
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The Evaluation Cooperation Group (ECG) 2025 Spring Meeting, hosted by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) took place from March 10 to 12, 2025. The meeting brought together the heads of the evaluation offices of all the major Multilateral Development Banks.
Following a round of institution-specific updates, the Spring meeting began by welcoming the application of the New Development Bank’s IEO to join the ECG, by granting it temporary observer status. Thereafter, seven thematic discussions unfolded over the course of the three days.
Read more.
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EVAL CAFE 2025: Join the Conversation on Evaluation in Côte d’Ivoire!
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AfrEA VOPE Initiative Ivoirienne pour l’Évaluation (2IEval) is thrilled to invite you to EVAL CAFE 2025, an engaging gathering dedicated to advancing evaluation practices and fostering dialogue among professionals in Côte d’Ivoire.
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025 Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Location: Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP) – Abidjan/Adjamé
Why Attend?
Join fellow evaluation experts, researchers, and policymakers for a day of insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and knowledge exchange. Whether you are a seasoned evaluator or new to the field, this event offers a dynamic platform to enhance your understanding and contribute to impactful evaluation efforts in Africa.
Registration Deadline: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Secure your spot and be part of the movement shaping the future of evaluation in Côte d’Ivoire! |
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6th International
Francophone Evaluation Forum
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The International
Francophone Evaluation Forum (Forum International Francophone de l'Évaluation -
FIFE) will be held from 10 to 12 June 2025 in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire.
Organised by the Ivorian Monitoring and Evaluation Network (RISE), the Ministry
of Planning and Development of Côte d'Ivoire and the Francophone Evaluation
Network (Réseau Francophone de l'Evaluation - RFE), the event, dedicated to the
evaluation of public policies and programmes, will be held under the theme, “Navigating
the complexity of transitions: evaluation issues and methods.”
FIFE is organised every two years and brings together
political and institutional decision-makers from the North and South,
representatives of national evaluation associations, evaluation practitioners,
sponsors, users and researchers from all over the French-speaking world.
Through its content and audience, it constitutes a high point in the promotion
of evaluation and the development of evaluative practices as vectors of good
public governance. This strategic aim of the FIFE makes it a unique event, different
from an ordinary congress that is only aimed at practitioners or experts.
Know more about FIFE (in French)
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AfrEA Evaluation Excellence Exchange - March 2025
Theme: The "Made in Africa Evaluation" agenda of AfrEA: state of play and perspectives
Date: 02 April 2025
Moderator: Dr. Miché Ouédraogo, President, AfrEA
Speakers: - Prof. Bagele Chilisa, Lecturer, University of Botswana
- Dr. Almas Mazigo, Lecturer, University of Dar-es-Salaam
- Dr. Patrick Okwen, Lead, eBase Africa
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AfrEA Evaluation Excellence Exchange - April 2025
Theme: AEJ: A catalyst for the development of evaluative knowledge and practice in Africa
Date: 08 May 2025
Moderator: Khalil Bitar, President, IOCE
Speakers: - Dr. Mark Abrahams, Pioneer Editor-in-Chief (AEJ)
- Dr. Edoé D. Agbodjan, Director, CLEAR-FA
- Dr. Mjiba Frehiwot, Editor-in-Chief, AEJ
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Registration for the 2025 IPDET On-Site Program in Bern (Switzerland) is open!
Apply now for the International Program for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET).
Attend Week1 - Core Course on the fundamentals of evaluation practice; or Week 2 - specialised workshops on topics such as evaluation and climate, AI, quantitative impact evaluation and others; or do both weeks for a comprehensive learning experience!
Apply in 2 Steps: - Create an account or log in at: https://ipdet.org/login/
- Under “My IPDET” go to “APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM”
Note that booking is possible only as long as seats are available... so get your application in today!
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This edition of "AfrEA Insights" brings to you the most recent publications in the African Evaluation Journal (AEJ), an initiative of the African Evaluation Association.
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Evaluation African Perspectives (Vol. 2)
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The anticipated Evaluation African Perspectives Vol. 2, is out!! The second book is titled "Evaluation as a Mechanism to Foster an Equitable Society in the Global South."
The book chapters explore the following questions: - What is inequality in the African context, and how does it affect the lives of the citizens of African countries?
- What does equitable evaluation mean? How can the concept of equitable evaluation be adopted in evaluation practice?
- What lessons can be learnt from evaluations of interventions that address inequality at various levels (sectoral, programmatic and project) levels?
- What epistemological transformation in evaluation practice is needed to achieve an equitable society?
- How have issues of inequality manifested within evaluation practice through organisations, institutions and international development?
The book is funded by a grant from Ford Foundation.
Access the book
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November 2024 African Evaluation Association (AfrEA) 36 Kofi Annan Avenue, North Legon, Accra, Ghana |
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