16-December-2020
This year, IDEV celebrates 40 years of evaluation at the African Development Bank (AfDB). Ever since the first dedicated evaluation unit was established in 1980, evaluation has become an integral part of how the Bank operates, how it is held accountable and how it learns from what works and what does not. What was a small unit grew into the Operations Evaluation Department (OPEV) and eventually the Independent Development Evaluation function (IDEV) with over 40 staff. We spoke to Ruby Adzobu-Agyare and asked her for her reflections on her time at IDEV.
What has been the biggest change since you joined?
The biggest change is the number of staff at IDEV. When I joined what was then OPEV some years ago, we were only about 15 staff and we were all answerable to the Director. Now OPEV has changed to IDEV with 3 Divisions and over 40 staff. That is a very big achievement. In those days, OPEV was referred to as the “Garage” where people thought the department did not have a lot to share in terms of improving Bank activities. Today, I see IDEV solicited by the Bank in all its operations and a lot of Bank staff want to join the department. The perception of the department has changed, and I am so proud of us!!!
Your most memorable moment?
There are quite a number of them but the remarkable one is around 1997-2000 when we worked together as a team of less than 20 and everybody was approachable just as a “Father” and his “Kids” at home, maybe because of the small number at the time.
What did/do you like most about working in evaluation at the AfDB?
I love working in evaluation because one gets to know the whole Bank better as one interacts with every level. This broadens your mind and personality as one comes across different cultures internally and externally.
How do you see evaluation in the next 40 years: Challenges and opportunities?
With the changes and achievements, I see in only the past 40 years, evaluation is going to be one, if not the most, solicited area in the Bank to improve upon its operations. Evaluation is going to be more understood and embraced in all Bank operations.
I am very proud that we have come this far in only 40 years when I look back and see how evaluation was at the time I joined the Bank. Long live Evaluation!!!