Zambia

The overall objective to which this action contributes is to position the EU as a trusted and reliable partner in Zambia.

The specific objectives of this contract are as follows:

• To measurably increase awareness and positive perception of the EU amongst the target population in Zambia.
• To build and strengthen long-term engagement around the EU’s priorities, interests and values that underpin the Global Gateway.

The overall objective of the project "Strengthening the national regional linkages in SADC (SNRL)" is to support the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in its efforts to promote regional integration in the member states (MS) for the benefit of the population in the SADC region.

The project is aligned with SADC's regional strategy (the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020-30, RISDP) and supports its implementation.

In particular, it supports SADC and its MS on implementing Chapter 5 of the RISDP focusing on the strategic management objectives of the RISDP. By strengthening SADC as a regional organization and by supporting the implementation of the regional agenda RISDP, the SNRL project aims to facilitate the regional integration in the SADC region.

The objective of this contract is the provision of high-quality short-term expert (STE) advice in various topics relevant for enhancing the capacities of national stakeholders to vigorously and effectively pursue in their respective countries the regional integration protocols, policies and strategies of SADC.

The individual consultancy assignments are developed between GIZ and its partners and are based on a joint process and methodology aimed at identifying the needs in the SADC region and within individual member states.

The assignments focus on the scaling-up of best practices and should aim to share experiences and knowledge throughout the region (for example by aiming to standardize products developed as part of the assignment).

The following outputs are expected as a result of project implementation:

• Output 1: The institutional framework for the implementation of regional integration in the SADC region has improved in the member states;
• Output 2: Monitoring and evaluation systems for the implementation of regional integration are in place in selected member states;
• Output 3: The strategic communication capacities of SADC and member states for high profile communication around SADC activities and operations are strengthened.

Implemented projects include the following (project number and title):

• P1/2023 Consultancy to Support the SADC Secretariat to Develop and Pilot the Protocol Compliance Mechanism and Monitoring of the Trade Protocol;
• P2/2023 Perception Survey on the status of SADC regional integration in the Member States;
• P3/2023 Facilitator/Presenter and Group Work Moderators for Two Regional Workshops Supported by SNRL;
• P4/2023 Development of Model Law for the Establishment of SADC National Committees in Member States;
• P5/2023 Consultancy to develop communication products for publication purposes from the deliberations of SADC Member States at the Regional Learning and Exchange Symposium in Lesotho;
• P6/2023 Consultancy to develop presentation on the Status of SADC National Structures and their Financing at the Regional Learning and Exchange Symposium in Lesotho;
• P7/2023 Facilitation Operational Planning SNRL;
• P8/2023 Consultancy Services to Support the Publicity Products of The SADC Summit Public Lecture- Angola;
• P9/2023 Consultancy Services to Provide Rapporteuring of the Proceedings of The SADC Summit Public Lecture- Angola;
• P10/2023 Development of Peer Learning & Review Mechanism for national SADC coordination;
• P11/2023 Shadow monitoring on the extent of implementation of the SADC RAIP 2017 – 2022;
• P12/2023 Editing & Design of Eswatini’s New Industrial Policy;
• P13/2023 Capacity Building on SADC Regional Integration and Project Management for SADC National Contact Points Junior and Middle Staff;
• P14/2023 Updating and Finalising the Status of the SADC National Committees Desk Review Report;
• P15/2023 Consultancy Services to Support the Documentation of Proceedings at the SADC Integrated Regional Electronic Settlement System 10th Anniversary Celebrations;
• P16/2023 Consultancy Services to Support the Publicity Products of the SADC Integrated Regional Electronic Settlement Systems 10-year anniversary;
• P17/2023 Consultancy Services to Support the Rapporteuring of the SADC Integrated Regional Electronic Settlement Systems 10-year anniversary;
• P18/2023 Scoping Studies South Africa and Zimbabwe;
• P19/2023 Scoping Study Madagascar;
• P20/2023 SNRL II Operational Planning Workshop.
• P21 Team Retreat Facilitatior
• P22 Communication Guidelines
• P23 Lesotho National Policy on Regional Economic Integration
• P24 Scoping study and development of SA documentary
• P25 Production of SADC video podcasts
• P27 Development of a Resource Mobilisation Plan for the SNC of the Kingdom of Eswatini
• P28 Ops Manual, OP & Capacity Building Training on RI & PM - Eswatini
• P29 Communications Capacity Building in Botswana
• P30 SNRL II Team Retreat Refresher
• P31 CB& Strengthening Lesotho's SNCs - Project Management
• P33 Establishment of South Africa’s SADC National Committee
• P34 Graphic Design for Promotional Material - SADC Public Lecture in Zimbabwe
• P35 Rapportuering of the SADC Public Lecture Zimbabwe
• P36 Madagascar National Policy on SADC RI
• P37 Capacity Building & Strengthening SNC in Madagascar
• P38 CB & Training on SADC RI & PM for Zambia’s SNC staff
• P39 CB on Resource Mobilisation & Development of Resource Mobilisation Strategy in Zambia
• P40 Regional CB on Resource Mobilisation
• P41 Model Law on the Establishment of SNCs
• P42 Policy briefs on SADC-RTGS; role/significance of the SADC public lectures in promoting regional cooperation and integration in the SADC region.
• P43 Fact Sheets on SADC Protocols
• P44 Communications Strategy and Social Media Dissemination Plan for BGCIS in Botswana
• P46 RI Orientation & Induction for the SNC in Eswatini
• P47 SNRL II Operational Planning Workshop 2025
• P48 Rapporteur for Tanzania Event on SADC RAIP 2017-2022 Shadow Monitoring Report
• P49 Rapporteur for Malawi Event on SADC RAIP 2017-2022 Shadow Monitoring Report
• P50 Policy Brief, Factsheet & Press Release On he AML (Anti-Money Laundering) & CFT
• P51 Madagascar Resource Mobilisation Strategy and Action Plan
• P52 Piloting SNC Peer Learning and Review Mechanism (S-PLRM)
• P53 Establish Baseline Values on SADC Parliamentary Forum’s Operational Efficiency
• P54 Revise SADC Draft Communication, Awareness and Visibility Strategy
• P55 NSA Baseline Indicators
• P56 Interpretation Assignments
• P57 Facilitation of Consultation Workshop SNRL
• P58 Endline Perception Survey
• P60 Piloting M&E Framework for the SADC Protocol on Trade
• P61 SADC Parliamentary Forum M&E on Gender
• P62 Photography, Videography and Livestreaming _ Launch of SA's SNC
• P63 SADC PRU Comms Strategy Launch
• P64 Status of SNCs in the Member States
• P65 Training of Botswana SNC
• P69 Facilitation of SPLRM 1st Cycle
• P70 SPRLM Budget and Finance Plan
• P71 CfP Support
• P72 Facilitation of SNC Guidelines
• P73 SADC PF Publication and Dissemination
• P74 SADC PF Gender Assessment
• P75 SADC PF Mid-Term Evaluation
• P77 Review of Public Hearing
• P81 Communication Documentary Launch

The EU has financed two global interventions to support the UNECE Water Conventiontion, with a particular emphasis on promoting accession and strengthening implementation. The evaluation covered Phase 1 (01/04/2019-30/06/2022) with a budget of EUR 2,350,000, and Phase 2 (01/07/2022-31/12/2024) with a budget of EUR 3,000,000. The scope was global and the evaluation covered the entire implementation periods of Phase 1 and Phase 2.

The ex-post evaluation’s overarching purpose was twofold: (i) provide EU services and stakeholders with an independent assessment of performance and levels of results achieved against expected objectives, and (ii) identify lessons learned, conclusions, and recommendations to inform improvements to ongoing and future support.

Evaluation focus:

• assessing the relevance and coherence of EU-supported components of the Convention’s work programme in both phases, with a particular focus on activities that facilitate accession and support implementation by new Parties;
• examining the efficiency and effectiveness of the Water Convention secretariat in implementing EU-supported components, including its capacity to respond to increasing demands; and
• drawing lessons and forward-looking recommendations for improving sustainability. A Theory of Change is to be developed considering causal and contextual assumptions as part of the assessment approach

The evaluation focuses on the African Development Bank’s Regional Integration Strategy for Southern Africa (SA-RISP) 2020–2026, with coverage of the period 2020–2024. Its primary purpose is to assess how far the strategy has progressed towards achieving its intended results and to provide lessons and recommendations for the design of the next regional integration strategy. The evaluation will review both lending operations, sovereign and non-sovereign, and non-lending activities such as policy dialogue, analytical work, and technical assistance.

Key objectives include examining the relevance and design of the SA-RISP as a framework for advancing regional integration, its coherence with regional and continental frameworks such as SADC, COMESA, and the AfCFTA, and its effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. The evaluation will also analyse factors that have enabled or constrained implementation, including operational, institutional, and policy challenges, as well as cross-cutting issues. Ultimately, it aims to draw out lessons learned and practical recommendations to strengthen AfDB’s future engagement in supporting regional integration in Southern Africa.

The objective was to enhance the visibility of the EU in Zambia and improve the awareness of the EU-Zambia partnership in all its dimensions (political, trade and economic, development and other major policy areas of common interest) with the Government of Zambia, NGOs, business community, academia, media, and the people of Zambia, through increased information, communication and visibility activities.

The specific objective of this contract was to support the EUD in the implementation of ICV activities and events, including the dissemination of informational and promotional material to enhance the visibility of the European Union and to increase awareness about the EU-Zambia partnership.

In order to attain the overall objective and purpose of the contract, we achieved the following results:

• Result 1: EUD disposes of a series of print, broadcast and digital media products to be shared with relevant stakeholders;
• Result 2: Enhanced knowledge of the target groups about the dimension and benefits of the EU partnership with Zambia;
• Result3: Developed capacity of staff involved in EU funded programmes/projects in terms of communication and visibility.

The main objective of this evaluation was to provide an independent assessment and evidence on the contribution of EU external action support in the policy area of gender equality and women empowerment (GEWE). In line with the EU policy on evaluation, this evaluation sought to be a stock- taking lesson-learning and forward-looking exercise, as well as an accurate assessment of achieved results in line with the objectives of the EU Gender Action Plan (GAP) II and other relevant overall policy frameworks for gender equality such as the new approach on Women, Peace and Security Agenda, Agenda 2030, the New European Consensus for Development.

Its specific objectives were the following:

• To assess in both qualitative and quantitative terms the relevance, conditions of implementation and performance of EU external action to promote GEWE and its mainstreaming, particularly its efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, and the EU added value.
• To assess whether the EU's policy and operational response on GEWE in partner regions (EU Plans of Action on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment for 2010-2015 and 2016-2020) have triggered new approaches and rendered EU external action support more effective, targeted, gender-responsive and efficient.
• To assess: a) the coordination and complementarity of the European Commission services, the European External Action Service (EEAS) and EU Members States’ external action; b) the coordination and complementarity between EU external action support and other non-EU donors’ and actors’; c) the coherence of EU GEWE policy in external action with other relevant EU external policies; and d) the coherence of EU external action support with international commitments to GEWE.

The evaluation should lead to the identification of conclusions, lessons learnt (both positive and negative), good practices regarding the achievement of the intended GEWE-related results and the Commission, the EEAS and EU Member States with a set of targeted and useful forward-looking recommendations for the improvement of the programming and implementation.

Through the course of the evaluation, the evaluation team conducted 18 case studies (focusing on countries, regions and thematic areas) which were subject to an in-depth analysis, including 9 field visits. Both a ‘country-level’ and ‘global’ survey – covering EU services (HQ and EU Delegations/Offices worldwide), EU Member States, other development partners and Civil Society Organisations – were part of the data collection and analysis process. Findings from all evaluation activities were synthesized into a final report.

Final report available here: https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/evaluation-eus-external-action-support-area-gender-equality-and-womens-and-girls-empowerment_en

This evaluation assessed how Finland’s objectives related to economic development, job creation and livelihoods, manifested in the Priority Area 2 (PA2), but not only limited to it, are being fulfilled through the various thematic approaches, cooperation modalities and funding instruments. An essential aspect of the evaluation was to provide guidance on how Finland might tailor its efforts, elaborating on what Finland’s strengths and “unique competencies” are in the division of labour in the donor community. Included in the Evaluation were also Finland’s Private Sector Instruments (PSI), i.e. Finland’s Development Finance Institution, Finnfund, the seed-funding and match-making programme Finnpartnership (FP), the innovation focused Business with Impact (BEAM) programme and the mixed credit scheme Public Sector Investment Facility (PIF).

The evaluation’s specific objectives were as follows:

• To assess to what extent and how the objectives of the Priority Area 2 on economic development, jobs and livelihoods are being achieved and how relevant and effective the interventions have been in relation to partner country needs.
• To determine what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can learn from its peer organisations, especially the Nordics as well as from emerging international 'best practices' for more relevant, effective and coordinated support for economic development, jobs and livelihood opportunities.
• To suggest how the effectiveness of Finnish development cooperation related to economic development can be be further developed, including if and how the Results-based Management system can be strengthened.

The evaluation entailed the following:

• Mapping of the PA2 portfolio and the Private Sector instruments in order to investigate what Finland in fact has been doing 2016-2019 in this respect;
• Assessing what have been the results of these interventions in terms of improved economies and more jobs and livelihood opportunities in particular for women, youth and the poor;
• Looking deeper into certain sectors/themes of the PA2 portfolio of specific interest either due to overall significant resource flow under PA2 (energy); perceived comparative advantage by Finland (innovation); policy concern by MFA (women economic empowerment and taxation).

The final report is available here: https://um.fi/publications/-/asset_publisher/TVOLgBmLyZvu/content/evaluointiraportti-suomen-tuki-kumppanimaiden-talouden-vahvistamiseksi-ty-c3-b6paikkojen-luomiseksi-ja-toimeentulon-parantamiseksi/384998

The objective of the evaluation was to identify relevant and effective approaches, methodologies, instruments in the Agriculture, Rural Development and Forest sectors’ interventions to support the implementation of current programmes and the planning of possible future cooperation in the Agriculture, Rural Development and Forest Sector.

The evaluation was based on a selection of eight Finnish bilateral programmes in agriculture, rural development and forest sectors in Africa. They represent different approaches, methodologies, ecosystems and geographical areas in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique and Ethiopia. However, all selected programmes focused on improving livelihoods and reducing poverty through agriculture or forest sector development, providing institutional support and capacity building, and contributing to socio-economic development.

The main issues to be addressed were:

• How can Finnish co-operation efforts best contribute to the achievement of the SDGs – as well as other relevant international agreements – through ARDF sectors making optimal use of its comparative advantages?
• Under what conditions can a value chain approach increase finance and investment in sustainable forestry and agriculture- while benefiting final beneficiaries in a sustainable way?
• How can cross-cutting objectives and HRBA be successfully integrated and implemented, in such a way that they support achievement of the Finnish development cooperation objectives and objectives of the projects?
• What are key success factors for achievement of ’reduced poverty and inequality’, in particular in terms of benefits for women, vulnerable groups, and small and medium-size farmers?
• How can investment in sustainable land use and land management be made inclusive of smallholder and community needs while being attractive to investors at the same time?
• Which implementation approaches are most appropriate - in terms of scale, modality/instrument, channel and/or implementing organisations in future?
• What type of monitoring and evaluation system is most appropriate for outcome monitoring of Finnish projects in the context of wider support for achievement of SDGs?
• How have the lessons learnt from other donors and development organizations been taken into account or implemented at project level and what kind of approaches do the organizations have for future challenges in the sector?
• How can ’Finnish added value’ in the AFRD sector be realised (e.g. through access to Finnish markets and expertise or to Finland’s experience in creating a favourable business environment)?

The final report is available here: https://um.fi/publications/-/asset_publisher/TVOLgBmLyZvu/content/evaluointi-maatalous-maaseutukehitys-ja-metsasektorin-kehityshankkeista-afrikassa/384998

Since 2015, GIZ’s Good Financial Governance Program (GFG) was implementing a large-scale program aiming to create a government-wide M&E system, including core business activities, IT support and capacity building and training. For this program, GIZ acts as implementing agency for UKAid and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The program supported the Ministry of National Development Planning (MNDP), the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Finance (MoF) at the “Apex” level as well as five sectors (Agriculture, Labour, Education, Health and Transport), encompassing seven line ministries.

The services requested under this assignment supported the first and the third pillar GFG’s M&E component, namely Capacity Building and Training on core business M&E activities.

The assignment was embedded in the Zambian Government’s process to produce its Annual Progress Report (APR). In order to improve evidence-based policy making in the context of the APR an in-depth understanding of the national context and how different results in various sectors interact with regards to the achievement of overall development objectives was required.

The APR is used as a monitoring tool and was intended to increase transparency of development outcomes. The ToR stated that the key issue underlying the assignment were the untimely production of the APR due to insufficient capacities of M&E staff to analyse, interpret and communicates meaningfully on the results and findings extracted from the available and assembled data sets from various sectors and line ministries.

Our understanding of the ToR and the status of achievements of the Programme was that the challenge existed in the further use of collected data through M&E activities under the GW-MIS in order to analyse and extract relevant information on actual performance against the N-KPIs. The appropriate, efficient and transparent communication and visualisation of this information gained from data analysis was another crucial element of this assignment.

Subsequently, the objective as described in the ToR was to strengthen the skills of M&E staff in data analysis and communication and to support the APR production process.

Ultimately, this project contributed to better policy decisions for improved service delivery for citizens and higher transparency and accountability