AfDB experts weigh in on bank’s evaluation process

The African Development Bank should go beyond seeking approval when evaluating its programs and projects, the bank’s own experts suggest.

It was among several recommendations raised at a recent internal debate on how AfDB can improve its operational evaluations process so it better contributes to development results. The debate was hosted by bank’s Operations Evaluation Department and attended by more than 80 AfdB experts.

The debate appears to signal a shift within AfDB to focus more on results — in line with reforms undertaken by the United Kingdom, United States and other donors. At the event, Désiré Vencatachellum of the bank’s policy and operations department said AfDB must “embrace a results and development impact culture.”

Another AfDB official, meanwhile, stressed the need for better communication. Christopher Kohlmeyer, chair of AfDB’s Committee on Operation and Development Effectiveness, argued that “without communication, everything remains useless.”

Also highlighted during the debate were the importance of independence to ensure the credibility and objectivity of evaluations, as well the need for the bank to learn from its own experiences and that of other multilateral development banks.

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