Day: May 19, 2021

The Burundian government has initiated a process of reintegration of ex-combatants from the crisis that shook the country for several years through the “Emergency Demobilization and Transitional Reintegration Project” (PDRT), financed by the World Bank. This project is part of the 2nd phase of demobilization and socio-economic reintegration of members of the fighting forces in Burundi.

The emergency demobilization and transitional reintegration project presents itself as a partner in the efforts of the Government of Burundi in its quest to establish a definitive peace in the country. Overall, the project aims to:

Demobilize members of the National Liberation Forces and their dissidents, the two groups of non-regular armed forces remaining in the country;
Provide socio-economic support for the reintegration of these groups after demobilization, as well as ex-combatants awaiting demobilization under the previous Demobilization, Reinsertion and Reintegration Project.ALG conducted the second PDRT beneficiary survey in 2010. The services covered the following aspects:

• Interviewing beneficiaries on the reintegration component, including the ease of the process, timing, and main uses of ITS resources; using the methodologies;
• Interviewing beneficiaries on the reintegration component, the options chosen and the reasons for these choices, their perceptions of the assistance provided by implementing partners, and the strengths and weaknesses of the component and its sub-components (training, monitoring, etc.);
• Establish the general level of satisfaction of beneficiaries with the project, and their perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses;
• Ask beneficiaries and community members about their perceptions of the economic and social situation of beneficiaries;
• Include an analysis/summary of the results and also recommendations on areas where the project could benefit from strengthening or reorientation.

• Mission: Auto Evaluation Assistée et le Renforcement de Capacités de l’ONG 3D et de ses Partenaires associés ENDA GRAF et ANAFA.
• Période d’exécution: 2013
• Client: ONG 3D
• Bailleur de fonds: USAID

Le premier volet consistera à organiser et faciliter  une auto évaluation assistée devant permettre d’identifier les forces et les faiblesses, les défis et les enjeux pour ces organisations, les besoins en renforcement de capacités Techniques, organisationnelles, managériales etc.

Le second volet portera sur la mise en œuvre d’une série d’activités de formations qui seront conduites en fonction des besoins identifiés au cours de l’auto évaluation assistée dans les domaines tel que le renforcement institutionnel et technique, la gestion administrative, financière et des ressources humaines, les procédures de passation de marchés, le cycle de gestion de projet,  la gestion axée sur les résultats (GAR) et le BRIDGE.

Equipe d’experts déployée par ALG:

• Dany Ayida, Team leader
• Daniel Coulibaly, formateur

Audit Stratégique du CILSS : Évaluation des Capacités Institutionnelles et Organisationnelles (2008)

Client : Comité Inter-États de Lutte contre la Sécheresse dans le Sahel (CILSS)

Nature de la Mission : Audit Juridique des Textes du CILSS

Cet audit stratégique a été entrepris pour évaluer la situation institutionnelle, organisationnelle et les capacités programmatiques du CILSS. L’objectif principal était d’identifier les forces et les faiblesses de l’institution dans sa mission de lutte contre la sécheresse et les autres défis environnementaux, économiques et sociaux de la région sahélienne.

Services Fournis par ALG :

L’intervention d’ALG a été structurée autour de trois axes majeurs visant à renforcer la gouvernance et l’efficacité opérationnelle du CILSS :

1. Analyse du Cadre Économique et Financier : Réalisation d’une revue documentaire approfondie du système économique et financier pour élucider le fonctionnement interne et le cadre réglementaire de gestion de l’institution.
2. Évaluation du Management et des Programmes : Collecte d’informations via des entretiens et des enquêtes pour évaluer les pratiques de gestion actuelles et la pertinence des programmes face aux défis de la sécheresse et de la sécurité alimentaire.
3. Plan de Révision du Cadre Juridique : Conception, sur la base des conclusions de l’audit, d’un plan de révision des textes juridiques et réglementaires du CILSS. Ce plan visait à moderniser les normes institutionnelles et à optimiser la capacité d’intervention de l’organisation face aux crises environnementales.

Équipe d’Experts ALG :

La mission a été menée par une équipe pluridisciplinaire :

L’audit stratégique de 2008 a marqué une étape décisive dans l’amélioration des capacités institutionnelles du CILSS. L’analyse rigoureuse du cadre juridique et opérationnel permet au CILSS d’être mieux armé pour faire face aux défis croissants de la sécheresse au Sahel. Les recommandations formulées visent spécifiquement à optimiser la gouvernance et à maximiser l’efficacité des interventions pour garantir la sécurité alimentaire et la résilience des populations sahéliennes.

Ensuring compliance of food product labels for successful commercialization in Niger, Benin, Togo, and Guinea.

In a globalized and increasingly regulated market, food product labeling is much more than a simple legal obligation; it is a determining factor for consumer safety, product traceability, and market access. For agrifood companies wishing to establish or consolidate their presence in West Africa, particularly in Niger, Benin, Togo, and Guinea, mastering local labeling regulations is an absolute necessity.

Our expertise was recently utilized to support a major player in the sector, SPRIM Italia, in the harmonization and validation of the labeling of their products intended for these specific markets.

Client: SPRIM Italia

Countries concerned: Benin, Guinea, Niger, Togo

Year of the mission: 2017

ALG’s Mission: Guaranteeing Compliance and Market Access

Our intervention, led by the ALG (Africa Label Group) team, was structured around several critical steps to ensure that our client’s products comply with all regulatory requirements in force in each country:

1. In-Depth Analysis of Food Labeling Regulations

The first phase consisted of detailed regulatory monitoring and a comparative analysis of the legislative texts and national standards of each target country. This fundamental step made it possible to draw up a precise panorama of the specific labeling obligations in Benin, Togo, Guinea, and Niger. The aim was to understand the nuances of local legislation that can significantly impact the formulation of labels.

2. Revision and Validation of Labels according to Mandatory Information Requirements

The core of our service consisted of the meticulous revision and validation of the product label drafts. We scrupulously ensured the presence and compliance of the essential information required by law, including:

• Legal name of the product: Ensuring that the commercial name corresponds to the official designation recognized by the legislation.
• List of ingredients: Verification of the completeness of the list, the descending order by weight, and the correct identification of potential allergens.
• Nutritional information: Control of the presence and format of the nutritional value tables.
• Net quantity and Use-by/Best-before dates (DLC/DLUO): Ensuring the correct format and location of these indications.

This validation, focused on Benin, Togo, and Guinea, was essential to allow the rapid and secure placing of products on the market in these territories.

3. Verification of Compliance with Specific Mandatory Indications

Beyond textual information, labeling must also comply with specific visual and linguistic conventions. Our team proceeded with a complete verification of all formal elements:

• Logos and Symbols: Compliance of mandatory logos (quality control marks, specific labels, etc.).
• Languages: Ensuring the presence of the required national or official languages, often French, but taking into account local requirements for key information intended for consumers.
• Classification of Additives and Flavorings: Verification of the correct nomenclature and declaration of additives (according to their category and E number) and flavorings, in accordance with international and regional standards (such as the CODEX Alimentarius) adopted locally.

Impact and Added Value for the Client

Thanks to this mission, SPRIM Italia was able to:

• Secure its supply chain and avoid the risks of customs blockages or sanctions from control authorities.
• Accelerate the process of placing its products on the market.
• Strengthen consumer confidence through clear, precise, and compliant information.

ALG’s expertise in regulatory labeling in West Africa is positioned as an indispensable asset for any company wishing to successfully navigate the complexity of regional compliance requirements.

The project

• Mission Title: Training in Networking and Advocacy/Lobbying Techniques in the Arts and Culture Sector
• Country: Burkina Faso
• Client: Arterial Network
• Year: 2014

Capacity building of civil society organizations in culture and the arts in structuring and implementing strategies to make the creative economy viable in Burkina Faso.

ALG conducted the Training of delegates from the arts and culture sectors in Burkina Faso in networking, advocacy and lobbying techniques;
Support for delegates from the arts and culture sectors in identifying opportunities for synergy and complementarities.

Our Insights: Advocacy and Lobbying in the Creative Industries Sector in Burkina Faso and Other African Countries

The creative industries sector encompasses a wide array of fields, including arts, culture, design, media, and entertainment. In Burkina Faso and other African nations, the potential of this sector is immense, yet it often remains underutilized due to a range of systemic challenges. Advocacy and lobbying are critical tools that can play a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of creative industries, fostering sustainable economic growth, and enhancing cultural representation.

 The Importance of Advocacy

Advocacy in the creative industries involves promoting the interests and needs of artists, creators, and cultural organizations to policymakers and stakeholders. In Burkina Faso, where traditional art forms coexist with contemporary practices, advocacy can help raise awareness of the value of cultural heritage and creative expression. It allows local artists to voice their concerns regarding funding, copyright protections, and access to markets.

Furthermore, advocacy helps to build a supportive ecosystem for the creative sector. By mobilizing communities and stakeholders, advocates can highlight the contributions of the arts to national identity, social cohesion, and economic development. This is particularly significant in African countries where cultural industries can serve as a means of addressing social issues, such as youth unemployment and gender inequality.

The Role of Lobbying

Lobbying complements advocacy by directly influencing policy decisions through targeted communication with lawmakers and government officials. In the context of Burkina Faso and other African nations, lobbying efforts can focus on securing favorable policies that support the creative industries. This includes tax incentives for artists, grants for cultural initiatives, and investment in infrastructure that nurtures artistic talent.

One notable area for lobbying is intellectual property rights. Many creative professionals in Africa struggle with the protection of their work, facing challenges such as piracy and inadequate enforcement of copyright laws. Through effective lobbying, stakeholders can push for stronger legal frameworks that safeguard artistic creations, thereby encouraging innovation and investment in the sector.

Benefits of Advocacy and Lobbying

1. Economic Growth: The creative industries have the potential to significantly contribute to GDP and job creation in Burkina Faso and across Africa. By advocating for policies that support these sectors, stakeholders can help unlock new economic opportunities.

2. Cultural Preservation: Advocacy efforts can lead to the recognition and preservation of traditional art forms, ensuring that cultural heritage is passed down through generations. This is particularly vital in a globalized world where local cultures are at risk of being overshadowed.

3. Social Change: The arts can be a powerful medium for social change, addressing pressing issues such as inequality, identity, and human rights. Advocacy and lobbying can amplify the voices of marginalized groups within the creative sector, fostering inclusivity and diversity.

4. Regional Collaboration: By engaging in advocacy and lobbying efforts, creative professionals can foster regional collaboration across African countries. Joint initiatives can enhance the visibility of African arts on the global stage and promote cultural exchange.

In Burkina Faso and other African nations, advocacy and lobbying are essential for nurturing the creative industries sector. By promoting the interests of artists and cultural organizations, these efforts can lead to favorable policies and increased investment, ultimately contributing to economic development and cultural preservation. As the world increasingly recognizes the value of creativity, it is imperative for African nations to harness the power of advocacy and lobbying to secure their place in the global creative landscape.

Project Title: Capacity Building Initiative: Project Cycle Management for Bugesera District Officials

Client/Partners: RALGA/World Bank

Location: Rwanda

Year: 2010

Summary of Mission:

This mission was designed to significantly enhance the technical and operational competencies of approximately thirty elected officials and administrative personnel within the Bugesera District, Rwanda. The core focus of the program was to provide essential training in the critical areas of project development, management, and monitoring-evaluation. This capacity building effort aimed to strengthen local governance and promote the successful implementation of sustainable development projects.

Key Training Components:

The comprehensive curriculum was structured around three interconnected areas, providing participants with the necessary methodologies and tools:

1. Project Development & Design: Participants learned to effectively identify community needs, define clear project objectives, and create robust, actionable plans. A strong emphasis was placed on participatory approaches to ensure projects were fully aligned with the aspirations of the local populace.
2. Project Management & Implementation: The training covered vital management techniques, including strategic resource allocation, meticulous budgeting, and effective team coordination. The goal was to equip participants with best practices for overseeing project execution, ensuring timely and efficient service delivery.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): This critical component focused on establishing systematic frameworks for tracking project progress and assessing overall impact. Trainees were instructed on developing relevant indicators and using data-driven evidence to evaluate outcomes and inform future decision-making cycles.

Mission Expertise:

The training was delivered by a skilled team of experts from ALG:

• Dany K. Ayida, Team Leader: Provided overall oversight and ensured the training’s relevance and alignment with the specific context and needs of Bugesera District.
• Dismas Bavekyumusaya, Trainer: Led sessions on project evaluation methodologies, focusing on strengthening participants’ analytical skills in monitoring and assessment.

Outcome:

The collaborative mission between RALGA, the World Bank, and the ALG expert team successfully empowered Bugesera District’s leadership with vital project cycle management skills. This initiative laid a robust foundation for improved governance and is expected to lead to enhanced service delivery and sustainable development initiatives that effectively address the needs of the district’s residents.

The overall objective is to improve the practice and consideration of gender in the programmatic cycle of TdH partners. This objective was pursued by focusing the Gender aspect on Children’s Rights and by paying particular attention to the elements of the TdH Action Plan, namely the fight against the Worst Forms of Child Labor (WFCL) and violence, trafficking and migration, the right to education and food, youth participation, and impact measurement.

• Mission title: Training partners in taking gender into account in the program cycle
• Client: Terre des Hommes
• Country: Burkina Faso
• Year: 2014

Services provided:

Improve Terre des Hommes’  partners knowledge and practice on gender for better promotion of children’s rights
Equip our partners on gender integration techniques in the program cycle (Analysis of the gender and children’s rights situation, planning, implementation, gender and rights in monitoring and evaluation, etc.)

ALG team of experts for this mission:

• NUMBER Issa, Head of mission (gender specialist)
• TOE Elise, Trainer (monitoring and evaluation specialist)

This report presents the findings of the external evaluation of the projects executed under the LESAIV Sahel Program (Lutte contre l’Exode et pour le Soutien aux Activités de Valorisation — Fight against Exodus and for the Support of Valorisation Activities). The primary objective of this assessment was to meticulously analyze the activities and results achieved by the constituent projects and to definitively determine the extent to which these efforts have contributed to the attainment of the overarching program goals focused on rural development in the arid Sahelian zone. The evaluation was not only retrospective, focusing on past performance, but also forward-looking. A significant aim was to formulate actionable recommendations to enhance goal achievement during the remaining implementation period of the current program phase and, critically, to provide strategic insights and concrete proposals for the design and formulation of a potential subsequent phase, ensuring sustainability and scale-up.

 Evaluation Mission Details

Scope of Services Provided by ALG

ALG (name of consulting firm, implied) was contracted to provide a comprehensive suite of services to ensure a rigorous and multi-faceted evaluation. The scope of work encompassed:

• Program Performance and Impact Analysis: A detailed and systematic analysis of the program’s management structure, operational execution, concrete achievements, and observable socio-economic and environmental impacts. This analysis was conducted strictly in relation to the established program objectives, defined goals, and the optimal utilization of available financial and human resources.
• Critical Assessment of the Project Approach: A rigorous and critical assessment of the innovative development approach adopted and deployed by the LESAIV program. This included an objective evaluation of its effectiveness, replicability, and inherent value as a potential model or best practice for similar rural development interventions within the broader Sahel region.
• Formulation of Concrete Recommendations: The provision of specific, pragmatic, and actionable suggestions aimed at immediately improving the program’s methodology and overall approach. Furthermore, this included detailed recommendations for potential medium- and long-term program continuation, specifically addressing the feasibility of national or regional expansion, complete with targeted and realistic proposals for implementation.

ALG Expert Team for this Mission

The evaluation was conducted by a specialized team from ALG, combining deep regional knowledge with technical expertise in rural development and program evaluation:

• ISSIFOU ISSA SOULE: Team Leader. Responsible for the overall direction, methodological integrity, synthesis of findings, and quality control of the final report.
• Adamou GAOH: Mission Assistant. Provided critical support in data collection, fieldwork logistics, analysis of project documents, and stakeholder interviews.
• Alio BOUKARI: Mission Assistant. Focused on quantitative data analysis, resource utilization assessment, and documentation of local impacts and case studies.

Program Effectiveness and Future Trajectory

The ultimate goal of this external evaluation is to furnish EIRENE-Sahel and its partners with a comprehensive and objective understanding of the LESAIV program’s effectiveness in achieving its anti-exodus and valorization objectives. By rigorously identifying both the successful strategies and the operational bottlenecks, the evaluation seeks to pinpoint clear and sustainable pathways for immediate program enhancement. The successful implementation of the recommendations is intended not only to ensure that the program meets its immediate, phase-specific objectives, but, more crucially, to lay a robust and well-documented foundation for informed decision-making regarding future initiatives, ensuring that subsequent interventions build upon proven successes and address identified shortcomings for a more profound and lasting impact in the Sahel.

Un seul objectif a été fixé pour cette étude à savoir : « approfondir l’analyse de la situation sanitaire de la province de Kirundo (Burundi) afin de permettre au projet PAPS d’améliorer ses stratégies d’intervention et de disposer d’une bonne référence de démarrage ».

• Client: Ministère de la santé
• Pays: Burundi
• Bailleur: Coopération Technique Belge
• Année: 2009
• Experts clés d’ALG: Dr SOURA Yorba (chef de mission), Dr Dr NDIKUBAGENZI Jacques (expert national)

Il est attendu à la fin de cette étude selon les termes de référence, la production d’un rapport final comprenant :

• le Cadre Logique en entier tenant compte de la situation ;
• un aperçu des indicateurs avec les benchmarks et les projections ;
• le plan de mise en œuvre.

Les tâches assignées à cette étude se présentent comme suit :

• L’analyse des inventaires des structures sanitaires avec  leur population de rattachement, c’est-à-dire :
  • analyser les inventaires des hôpitaux et centre de santé de la province sanitaire de Kirundo, de leur service, de leur agencement et de leur taux d’utilisation ;
  • Relever le personnel médical et paramédical desdits établissements ;
  • Analyser les inventaires des équipements et appareils de chaque établissement sanitaire et les faire correspondre dans leur service d’affectation ;
• Une comparaison des moyens humains, matériels et méthodologique avec les normes nationales et internationales Cela va permettre de faire :
  • Une analyse objective des conditions de travail dégageant les besoins pour la complétude des staffs ;
  • Une analyse sur la complétude des infrastructures et équipements ;
  • Une analyse sur la complétude du paquet minimum d’activités et le paquet complémentaire d’activités ;
• Une analyse des différents résultats produits par les services de la santé à savoir :
  • Le degré de satisfaction exprimé par la population (Qualité des services de santé) à travers des enquêtes ménages ;
  • Le niveau des différents indicateurs en rapport avec les composantes suivantes : Qualité et accessibilité des soins ; santé de la reproduction ; participation communautaire ; capacité de gestion et compétences institutionnelles ; gestion des ressources humaines ; gestion des infrastructures et des ressources matérielles ; disponibilité des médicaments essentiels et consommables de qualité ;
• Une analyse du degré d’intégration des services et des soins ;
• Une analyse du contexte dans lequel se développent lesdits indicateurs présélectionnés ; estimer leur évolution ;
• Un benchmarking des indicateurs sélectionnés et projection dans le futur ;
• Une analyse du rôle des COSA dans la gestion des structures de santé et dans l’organisation communautaire ;
• Un inventaire de tous les acteurs intervenant dans la province sanitaire et l’analyse des possibilités de mise en place d’un cadre permanent de concertation.

Mission Overview: Enhancing Economic Governance

The assignment, titled “Training in privatization techniques for experts from the Department in Charge of Public Enterprises,” was a vital component of the broader Economic Governance Support Project (PAGE), funded by the World Bank Group. The client for this specialized mission was the Economic Management Support Project, acting on behalf of the Government of Burundi.

The primary objective of this initiative was to provide comprehensive, high-level training to all staff and experts within the Service en Charge des Entreprises Publiques (SCEP). This training was designed to equip the SCEP team with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical tools to effectively manage and execute the process of public enterprise reform and privatization, a key element in Burundi’s economic development agenda.

The ALG Methodology and Expert Approach

ALG leveraged its deep international expertise to design and deliver a rigorous training curriculum. The methodology adopted by ALG’s international expert was comprehensive, structured, and focused on the complete life-cycle of a privatization project. This ensured that the Burundian experts gained a holistic understanding of the process, from initial assessment to post-sale monitoring.

The training modules, delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, and interactive workshops, covered the following critical aspects in detail:

1. Audit of Companies to be Privatized: This module focused on the techniques for conducting thorough diagnostic audits, including financial, operational, legal, and environmental due diligence. The goal was to accurately value the enterprise, identify restructuring needs, and determine the optimal privatization strategy (e.g., share sale, asset sale, concession).
2. Preparation of Privatization: Experts were trained on the pre-sale preparatory steps, including legal and regulatory groundwork, necessary corporate restructuring, debt management, and developing the privatization road map. This stage emphasized creating an attractive investment profile for the public enterprise.
3. Planning of Privatization: This module delved into strategic planning, including the selection of the most suitable privatization method, setting a realistic timetable, drafting tender documents, and formulating a robust communication strategy to manage stakeholder expectations.
4. Implementation of Privatization: The core execution phase was covered, focusing on managing the tender process, evaluating bids, negotiating with prospective buyers, and finalizing the sale and purchase agreements. The training stressed transparency and adherence to international best practices throughout the bidding process.
5. Monitoring of Privatization: The final module addressed the post-sale responsibilities, including developing effective monitoring frameworks to ensure the buyer adheres to contractual commitments (e.g., investment targets, employment levels) and tracking the economic and social impacts of the privatization.

A Commitment to Sustainable Economic Reform

By providing this in-depth, practical training, ALG has directly contributed to strengthening the institutional capacity of the Burundian government. The empowered SCEP staff are now better equipped to manage complex public-private transactions, promoting good governance, transparency, and ultimately, ensuring that privatization efforts lead to increased efficiency, competition, and sustainable economic growth in Burundi. The successful conclusion of this mission underscores ALG’s commitment to supporting impactful economic reforms across the African continent.