Evaluation of the Partnerships of the AfDB, 2008-2019

Date: 25/05/2021

Type: Thematic evaluation

Country(ies): 

Sector(s): Finance

Status: Completed

Independent Development Evaluation (IDEV) at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB or “the Bank”) evaluated the AfDB’s Development Partnerships (DPs) over the period 2008–2019. The evaluation covered 75 active DPs and the operations they funded, with a comparative analysis between 2008–2012 and 2013–2019, before and after adopting the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy. 

The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the performance of various partnership initiatives at the AfDB and to provide the Board of Directors and Management with lessons and recommendations to improve the effectiveness of present and future DPs. 

The evaluation found the relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the Bank’s partnerships to be satisfactory. For example, sustainability was achieved due to good integration in the design, stakeholders’ interests, attention to communication, promoting ownership, and addressing social and environmental issues. However, the efficiency of the Bank’s partnerships was rated unsatisfactory at the institutional and operational level due to weaknesses in organizational performance. The Bank’s partnerships have not been managed with optimal resources to ensure results delivery in the most cost-effective manner.

Some of the main lessons captured in this evaluation are:

  1. A more precise definition of strategic direction contributes to the successful mainstreaming of partnerships. 
  2. Dedicated resources are an essential contributing factor to the success of partnerships. 
  3. Effective M&E, transparency, and accountability promote strong alliances. 

The evaluation’s main recommendations are:

  • Define and set out the strategic directions for partnerships and resource mobilization, clarifying priorities and ensuring coherence.
  • Review the current partnerships framework and institutional arrangements to achieve strong coordination, greater efficiency, and better results.
  • Provide adequate resources, Key Performance Indicators, and incentives for the management of partnerships.

Evaluation Task Manager: Mirianaud Oswald Agbadome, Principal Evaluation Officer, IDEV.2
 

 

File
Attachment Size
Thematic Evaluation Partnerships at the AfDB - Summary Report 2.09 MB
Thematic Evaluation Partnerships at the AfDB - Executive Summary 350.77 KB
Technical Annexes - Thematic Evaluation Partnerships (EN only) 1.7 MB
Approach Paper - Thematic Evaluation Partnerships 1.27 MB