Ethiopia is being recognized as a leading example in Africa for its commitment to policy evaluation, according to Dr. Miche Ouedraogo, President of the African Evaluation Association (AfrEA). This acknowledgment comes as AfrEA celebrates its 25th anniversary in Addis Ababa, highlighting Ethiopia’s significant strides in implementing robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems.
The anniversary event, held from June 16 to 18, 2025, featured a series of discussions and presentations aimed at strengthening the evaluation ecosystem across the continent. Dr. Ouedraogo commended Ethiopia for its proactive approach, noting that the country has established a comprehensive evaluation framework that serves as a model for others in Africa. He emphasized the importance of evidence-based policymaking and the role of digital tools in enhancing evaluation practices.
Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa, reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to deepening its evaluation ecosystem. She highlighted the necessity of robust M&E systems for tracking progress and making informed decisions. Minister Assefa also underscored the government’s dedication to fostering a culture of evaluation, which is essential for sustainable development.
AfrEA’s 25th-anniversary celebrations were held under the theme “Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence in Africa-Rooted Evaluation: Building a Stronger Future Together.” The event brought together policymakers, evaluators, and development partners to discuss strategies for advancing evaluation practices across the continent. Participants engaged in workshops and sessions focusing on the integration of technology and innovation in evaluation processes.
Dr. Ouedraogo highlighted the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence and other technological advancements to improve evaluation methodologies. He noted that embracing innovation is crucial for adapting to the evolving development landscape and ensuring that evaluation practices remain relevant and effective.
The AfrEA conference also served as a platform for launching the National Evaluation Capacities Index (NEC), a collaborative initiative aimed at assessing and strengthening national evaluation systems across Africa. The NEC is designed to provide countries with a comprehensive tool to evaluate their M&E capacities and identify areas for improvement. This initiative aligns with AfrEA’s mission to promote Africa-led evaluation and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Looking ahead, Dr. Ouedraogo emphasized the need for continuous investment in capacity building and the development of evaluation infrastructure. He called for greater collaboration among African countries to share knowledge and best practices, thereby enhancing the collective impact of evaluation efforts. The AfrEA President expressed optimism about the future of evaluation in Africa, noting that the continent is well-positioned to lead in the field of evidence-based policymaking.
The 25th-anniversary celebrations concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to advance the evaluation agenda in Africa. Participants left the event with a shared understanding of the critical role that evaluation plays in driving development and a collective resolve to strengthen evaluation systems across the continent.
Ethiopia’s leadership in policy evaluation serves as an inspiration for other African nations striving to enhance their M&E capabilities. Through continued collaboration and innovation, Africa can build a robust evaluation ecosystem that supports sustainable development and effective governance.
