The African Evaluation Association (AfrEA) has launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing policymaking and governance across the continent. Through a two-day training seminar, AfrEA is equipping its member associations with insights into the National Evaluation Capacities Index (INCE), a strategic tool designed to refine national evaluation systems and foster data-driven decision-making for sustainable development.
AfrEA President Dr. Miché Ouédraogo underscored the significance of INCE in transforming how African nations approach development. He emphasized that strengthening national evaluation mechanisms is critical for ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective resource allocation. According to Dr. Ouédraogo, this initiative aligns with AfrEA’s broader mission to bolster evaluation capacity, facilitate knowledge-sharing, and enhance collaboration among African nations in support of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“With the introduction of INCE, we are taking a significant step towards embedding evaluation at the heart of policy and decision-making in Africa. This tool empowers countries to assess their evaluation systems, identify gaps, and implement targeted improvements,” he stated.
Dr. Audrey Amoah from the National Development and Planning Commission (NDPC) highlighted the practical benefits of INCE in strengthening governance frameworks. She noted that the index would help nations address weaknesses in their evaluation practices and institutionalize a culture of evidence-based policymaking at both national and sub-national levels. She reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to working with AfrEA to advance data-driven development strategies across the continent.
Drawing from its successful implementation in Latin America, the INCE framework is built on extensive research and stakeholder engagement.
Celeste Gianno, a senior consultant from Insight Latin America, emphasized the value of South-South cooperation in adapting best practices to the African context. The INCE tool employs a robust 74-question survey to assess national evaluation capacities, providing a comprehensive analysis of strengths and areas for improvement.
By introducing INCE, AfrEA is reinforcing the role of evaluation as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. This initiative not only enhances accountability but also empowers African policymakers with the data and insights necessary to drive impactful reforms, ensuring that policies are both effective and sustainable.
Source: GhanaNewsOnline