Category: Projects

The program received funding from the European Union as part of the ACP-EU partnership framework. It was executed by an international consortium. ALG has been engaged to carry out the final evaluation, which occurred from February to June 2024.

Scope of the evaluation

The external evaluation of the “Create in Central Africa: Support for the Cultural and Creative Sectors” Programme under the ACP-EU Culture Programme comes in a context of renewed interest in the cultural and creative industries. The cultural and creative industry (CCI) is considered today as one of the fastest growing sectors in the global economy. The CCI constitutes a real economic challenge given its considerable weight in the global economy.

The external evaluation of the Programme has been commissioned to:
● provide a comprehensive history of the project and assess its overall impact with the aim of improving future cooperation projects aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the cultural and creative industries in ACP countries;
● analyse the implementation of the project in relation to its initial objectives while providing its partners with an independent review of the activities and results.

The evaluation team used the available evidence to examine the technical and management aspects of the Programme. It considered the issues of effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, preliminary impact and sustainability to identify the factors that facilitated and/or hindered the achievement of the objectives. Particular attention was paid to the elements related to the projects funded as well as to the overall picture of the Programme.

With regard to the elements related to the projects funded, the evaluation:

• identified and developed quantitative and qualitative indicators to assess the projects funded, in terms of work plan, areas of work, results and final beneficiaries;
• assessed the sustainability and possible future replicability of the projects funded;
• identified best practices of the 40 projects funded based on their achievements;
•  assessed the impact of the communication of the projects funded and the visibility of the EU in the context of Create in Central Africa
•  examined and analysed how the projects funded contributed to achieving the objectives of the Create in Central Africa Programme.

Regarding the overall view of the Programme, the evaluation:

• assessed and analysed the results and overall impact achieved by the Programme and its contribution to social cohesion, inclusion and job creation;
•  identified lessons learned and provided recommendations for follow-up actions as well as for future projects and programmes on intercultural dialogue;
• assessed mobility and networking activities.

Based on the main lessons learned, the evaluation resulted in recommendations that could benefit the various stakeholders. These recommendations will increase the sustainability of the Programme, provide means to assess the extent to which the consortium has contributed to strengthening the capacities of beneficiaries for the improvement of the governance and financing framework as well as the production of cultural products at the sub-regional level.

In addition to the executive summary, the general introduction and the conclusion, the report consists of four parts: (i) the description of the Programme, (ii) the methodology and main stages of the evaluation, (iii) the results of the evaluation and their implications, (iv) the lessons learned and the recommendations.

ALG has been commissioned by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) to conduct this significant study. Owing to our established presence and extensive experience in The Gambia, coupled with our international and local expertise, we successfully completed the assignment in collaboration with key stakeholders.

SCOPE  OF THE TVET TRACER STUDY

Overall, this study  aims to provide insights into the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement within the TVET sector, with a focus on enhancing the quality, relevance, and accessibility of training programs for individuals and communities across various socio-economic backgrounds. By assessing different types of institutions and programs, ALG can identify best practices and areas for intervention to foster inclusive and sustainable development through TVET.

In addition to assessing publicly funded TVET initiatives, this evaluation will also encompass private institutions and projects that sponsor students for TVET programs. These private entities play a crucial role in expanding access to vocational education and training, particularly for individuals who may not have access to public institutions or government-funded initiatives.

The evaluation of private institutions and sponsored projects will focus on several key areas:

• Program Quality and Relevance:
  • Assessing the quality and relevance of the TVET programs offered by private institutions, ensuring they meet industry standards and address current market needs.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of the curriculum in equipping students with practical skills and knowledge that are in demand in the job market.
• Sponsorship Models and Accessibility:
  • Examining the various sponsorship models employed by private institutions and projects to support students in accessing TVET education.
  • Assessing the impact of sponsorship on widening access to TVET training, particularly for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or marginalised communities.
• Outcomes and Employability:
  • Analysing the outcomes of students sponsored by private institutions and projects, including their rates of completion, graduation, and subsequent employment.
  • Assessing the employability of graduates and their ability to secure relevant employment opportunities in their respective fields.
• Partnerships and Collaboration:
  • Exploring partnerships and collaborations between private institutions, industry stakeholders, and local communities to enhance the effectiveness and relevance of TVET programs.
  • Evaluating the role of private sector engagement in shaping curriculum development, providing internship opportunities, and facilitating job placements for TVET graduates.

By including private institutions and sponsored projects in the evaluation, we aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the TVET landscape, identifying successful approaches, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. This will enable stakeholders to make informed decisions and investments to strengthen the overall quality, accessibility, and impact of TVET training programs in the region.

Having delineated the scope of evaluation for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, which encompasses a comprehensive assessment of various institutions and initiatives. ALG will now transition to the desk review phase. This phase will involve an in-depth analysis of existing literature, policies, and program documentation to provide a foundational understanding of TVET initiatives and their impact on employability, skill development, and economic empowerment in The Gambia.

ALG deployed a mission of experts who worked actively with national experts mobilized by the State to conduct research and consultations. A project document was developed and adopted following a diagnosis of the state of rural infrastructure and the needs expressed by stakeholders in the nine provinces of the country.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PUDC FEASIBILITY STUDY IN GABON:
1. Support and assist the Government’s provincial consultation missions.
The purpose of these missions is to consult the main stakeholders, particularly at the community level, including beneficiaries (populations, SMEs/SMIs, small informal units), local and central government officials, and community groups, as well as technical and financial partners, to collect the necessary information and data that will maintain the relevance of PUDC interventions to ensure ownership and sustainability.
2. Establish a comprehensive inventory based on consultations and data collection (infrastructure, social services and economic potential) based on a matrix of indicators previously discussed and validated by the mission’s Technical Committee.
3. Develop a detailed costing of the PUDC interventions disaggregated at the provincial
and local levels, including:
– A georeferenced table of infrastructure and service needs for each of the
identified areas (health, water, clean energy, including the solar health component,
education/training, access roads, income-generating activities), and for each
community,
– An estimate of the investment cost for each achievement, and an overall budget.
A detailed budgeting for all interventions such as rural roads, on the grid
of energy solutions, water supply, and agricultural (production and
processing) equipment, livestock products and the development of agricultural land where
needed, markets and education and health facilities. The
cost should include all direct and indirect costs of maintaining and maintaining
the infrastructure, including strengthening local operation and maintenance capacities. – Discussions with national construction companies to triangulate cost elements
– An estimate of the time frame for completion
The question of demand and likely use of PUDC products will be crucial in
the feasibility study, including the feasibility and sustainability of a PUDC-type solution
including elements such as:
a. Management,
b. Operational costs,
c. Potential income
4. Develop the nine (09) local development plans (PLD) that transpose the
National Transition Development Plan (PNDT) to the local level and also integrate,
but are not limited to, the following axes:
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United Nations Development Programme
(i) In-depth analysis of all sectors/sectors/branches of activity existing
in the province; (ii) Employment/entrepreneurship profile of each province;
(iii) Analysis of current territorial dynamics and potential levers for local economic development, creating sustainable jobs;
(iv) Identification and analysis of promising niches as well as economic opportunities to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and job creation;
(v) ​​Strategy for the development of the private sector, entrepreneurship and employment and to drive genuine sustainable development at the local level.
6. Develop a cost-benefit analysis highlighting the advantages and probable results for countries and communities, in particular the economic and social returns of the PUDC.
7. Develop the PUDC Gabon project document, based on a template previously validated with the UNDP and the Government.
8. Formulate a detailed and targeted resource mobilization strategy through
the assessment of the government budget as well as the identification of international financial institutions
and donors interested in financing PUDC Gabon.

Development of two policies with budgeted plans for the recruitment of primary school teachers and the payment of subsidies for community teachers in Chad

ALG has successfully completed the mission for the development of two policies in the education sector in Chad: a Policy and a budgeted plan for the recruitment of primary school teachers and the Policy and a budgeted plan for the payment of subsidies for community teachers.

• Country: Chad
• Beneficiary: Basic Education Learning Results Improvement Project (PARAEB)
• Funding: World Bank
• Period of implementation: December 2023-January 2024

Description of the intervention

This consultancy aims to develop two policy documents: the Policy and a budgeted plan for the recruitment of primary school teachers and the Policy and a budgeted plan for the payment of subsidies for community teachers.

Specific objectives
Define the budgeted policy for the recruitment of primary school teachers
Based on data from the general census of schools and its entities:

• Take stock of existing policies on teacher recruitment, including good practices in developing countries / similar or comparable;
• Assess the framework for recruiting teachers in the public service and propose guidelines to ensure the involvement of all stakeholders in the recruitment process of primary school teachers;
• Analyze practices for hiring teachers and managing their careers;
• Define criteria based on meritocracy for the recruitment of primary school teachers;
• Develop an allocation strategy that prioritizes rural communities in need and takes into account the local mother tongue;
• Identify and describe the main stages/dimensions of recruiting community teachers;
• Make a simulation on the state budget of integration into the state budget and propose different possible scenarios;
• Propose and assess the possibility of creating a new category for integrating primary school teachers and assessing the level of payment that can be sustainable in the State budget;
• Propose options for professional mobility of teachers integrated into the civil service;
• Propose options to ensure the recruitment of a greater number of women teachers;
• For the project, the objective is to integrate at least 2,000 teachers into the civil service over a period of five years, of which at least 1,000 will be women;
• Propose a budgeted strategy to ensure the integration of the 2,000 teachers over the next 5 years.

• Client: UNDP
• Location: Mauritania
• Period: May-August 2023

The feasibility study examined the viability of the Accelerated Community Development Program (PADC) in Mauritania and will assess whether it is likely to become a vehicle for promoting accelerated community development in line with governments’ pro-poor objectives. Specifically, the feasibility study will:

For Mauritania, its alignment with the SCAPP, the ProPEP, the priority initiative for opening up, and accelerating the digital desert, and its climate change mitigation objectives as indicated in the country’s nationally determined contribution (NDC);
Consult with key stakeholders, especially at the community level, including beneficiaries, local and central government officials, and community groups, but also technical and financial partners, to gather the necessary information and data that will maintain the relevance of PADC interventions to ensure ownership and sustainability
Develop detailed costing of PADC interventions disaggregated at regional and local levels, including detailed budgeting for all interventions such as rural roads, on-grid energy solutions, water supply, and agricultural (production and processing) equipment, livestock products and land development where needed, markets, and education and health facilities. The cost should include all direct and indirect costs of infrastructure upkeep and maintenance, including strengthening local capacity for operation and maintenance.
Review current institutional settings and propose optimal institutional oversight with defined roles and responsibilities and capacity needs of key national and subnational stakeholders that will ensure sustainability of PADC interventions.
Develop a cost-benefit analysis highlighting the likely benefits and outcomes for countries and communities, particularly the economic and social returns of the PADC
Identify potential partners and implementation modalities, including targeting and exit strategy.
Formulate a detailed and targeted resource mobilization strategy through assessment of government budgets as well as identification of international financial institutions and donors interested in financing development projects in Mauritania.

ALG implemented the PADC study in Niger, the final report of which was validated in May 2024 by stakeholders in Niamey.

Client: UNDP
Country: Niger
Period: May-August 2023
The feasibility study examined the viability of the Accelerated Community Development Program (PADC) in Niger and will assess whether it is likely to become a vehicle for promoting accelerated community development in line with governments’ pro-poor objectives. More specifically, the feasibility study will:

• Establish the rationale and relevance of a PUDC-type model in country contexts, including its alignment with the current national development plan of the Government of Niger (PDES-2022/2026) and its long-term vision (SDCCI), as well as the areas (cities and villages) of intervention.
• Consult with key stakeholders, especially at the community level, including beneficiaries, local and central government officials, and community groups, but also technical and financial partners, to gather the necessary information and data that will maintain the relevance of PADC interventions to ensure ownership and sustainability
• Develop detailed costing of PADC interventions disaggregated at regional and local levels, including detailed budgeting for all interventions such as rural roads, on-grid energy solutions, water supply, and agricultural (production and processing) equipment, livestock products and land development where needed, markets, and education and health facilities. The cost should include all direct and indirect costs of infrastructure upkeep and maintenance, including strengthening local capacity for operation and maintenance.
• Review current institutional settings and propose optimal institutional oversight with defined roles and responsibilities and capacity needs of key national and subnational stakeholders that will ensure sustainability of PADC interventions.
• Develop a cost-benefit analysis highlighting the likely benefits and outcomes for countries and communities, particularly the economic and social returns of the PADC
• Identify potential partners and implementation modalities, including targeting and exit strategy.

**Final Evaluation of PROTEJEM Program**

**Client:** Save the Children International / Terre des Hommes
**Location:** Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, Senegal
**Period of Implementation:** August – December 2023

**Introduction**
The PROTEJEM program, aimed at safeguarding vulnerable children and promoting their rights in West Africa, underwent a comprehensive final evaluation conducted by ALG. This evaluation was designed to assess the program’s effectiveness, measure its impact, and identify lessons learned to inform future initiatives.

**Evaluation Objectives**
The primary objectives of the final evaluation were to:
1. Evaluate the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the program in achieving its intended outcomes.
2. Assess the relevance and sustainability of the interventions implemented.
3. Gather feedback from stakeholders, including beneficiaries, to gauge satisfaction levels and areas for improvement.

**Methodology**
The evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data collection through surveys and qualitative insights through interviews and focus group discussions. Stakeholders from the target countries—Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, and Senegal—were engaged to provide a comprehensive view of the program’s impact.

**Key Findings**
1. **Effectiveness:** The PROTEJEM program demonstrated significant success in enhancing child protection mechanisms across the targeted regions. Most beneficiaries reported increased awareness of their rights and access to protective services.

2. **Stakeholder Satisfaction:** Feedback from local partners and beneficiaries indicated a high level of satisfaction with the program’s implementation. Many stakeholders highlighted the program’s responsiveness to local needs and its adaptability to the socio-cultural context.

3. **Sustainability:** The evaluation found that the program has laid a strong foundation for sustainability through capacity-building initiatives with local organizations, ensuring continued support for child protection efforts beyond the program’s duration.

4. **Challenges:** Despite the successes, some challenges were identified, including logistical constraints and varying levels of engagement among local communities, which could be addressed in future programming.

The final evaluation of the PROTEJEM program has concluded with positive outcomes, reflecting the commitment and effectiveness of Save the Children International and Terre des Hommes in promoting child rights and protection in West Africa. The findings underscore the importance of community engagement and capacity building for sustainable impact.

**Recommendations**
1. Continue strengthening partnerships with local organizations to enhance community ownership of child protection initiatives.
2. Address logistical challenges to improve program delivery and accessibility in remote areas.
3. Expand monitoring and evaluation frameworks to capture long-term impacts and inform future programming.

The successful implementation of the PROTEJEM program serves as a model for future child protection initiatives in the region, and ALG is pleased to have contributed to this important work.

The Assignment

The overall objective of the mission is to define a community vision and develop a regional housing strategy, with a view to enabling the UEMOA Commission to position itself in the housing sector and to create a network of partners with national, regional or international stakeholders.

ALG is responsible for providing technical support to the UEMOA Commission, through the departments involved in the implementation of the Promotion of Affordable Housing Financing (PFLA) and the development and elaboration of regulatory tools (directive & harmonization of texts) and in the definition of a regional housing strategy. The firm is associated in this mission with two architectural firms: Orule Architecture and Urba Tropiques.

More specifically, it involves: “Co-constructing with stakeholders the tools promoting the implementation of a strengthened regional policy in the field of affordable housing production, in line with the objectives and recommendations of the Millennium Development Declaration”.

Assist the UEMOA commission in the development of a regulatory framework document for the production of affordable housing.

Challenges and Strategic Approach

The West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), which includes member states such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo, faces significant housing challenges. The community vision for housing in the UEMOA area emphasizes the need for accessible, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions that cater to the growing urban population while promoting social equity and economic development.

Challenges

1. Urbanization Pressure: Rapid urbanization has led to a surge in housing demand, often outpacing supply. This has resulted in the proliferation of informal settlements and inadequate housing conditions.

2. Financial Constraints: Limited access to affordable financing options hampers both individual homebuyers and housing developers. High-interest rates, lack of mortgage products, and insufficient investment in housing infrastructure pose significant barriers.

3. Policy and Regulatory Framework: Inconsistent policies and regulatory environments across member states complicate the implementation of housing initiatives. There is often a lack of coordination among governmental bodies, leading to fragmented approaches to housing development.

4. Social Inequality: Marginalized groups, including women, youth, and low-income households, frequently face discrimination in accessing housing. This exacerbates social inequalities and hinders community cohesion.

5. Environmental Sustainability: With increasing climate change impacts, there is a pressing need for sustainable housing solutions that minimize environmental degradation and enhance resilience to natural disasters.

Strategic Approach

1. Integrated Housing Policies: UEMOA member states should develop comprehensive housing policies that align with regional goals. These policies must promote inclusivity, ensure equitable access to housing, and facilitate the development of affordable housing projects.

2. Financial Innovations: Encouraging the development of innovative financing mechanisms, such as microfinance, public-private partnerships, and housing cooperatives, can enhance access to housing finance. Additionally, establishing a regional housing fund could support low-income housing initiatives.

3. Capacity Building and Training: Enhancing the skills of local authorities, architects, and builders through training programs can improve the quality of housing. Knowledge-sharing initiatives among member states can also foster best practices in housing development.

4. Community Engagement: Involving communities in the planning and implementation of housing projects ensures that developments meet local needs. Participatory approaches can empower residents, leading to more sustainable and accepted housing solutions.

5. Sustainable Development Practice: Integrating sustainable construction methods and materials into housing projects can mitigate environmental impacts. Promoting energy-efficient designs and green spaces within urban areas will contribute to healthier living conditions.

The community vision for housing in the UEMOA area must address the multifaceted challenges of urbanization, finance, policy, social inequality, and sustainability. By adopting a strategic approach that encompasses integrated policies, innovative financing, capacity building, community engagement, and sustainable practices, UEMOA can pave the way for a more equitable and resilient housing landscape. This vision not only seeks to improve living conditions but also strengthens the socio-economic fabric of the region, fostering inclusive growth for all its inhabitants.

The initiative for developing an anti-corruption strategy comes from the High Authority for State Control and the Fight against Corruption (ASCE-LC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI). Both entities are supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

ALG has been mandated to provide its expertise in the process of developing the strategy. The firm’s mission is to conduct an in-depth study on electoral corruption in Burkina Faso, with an emphasis on understanding the root causes, manifestations and consequences of this phenomenon. The mission also involves developing a comprehensive strategy to combat electoral corruption, while engaging in a participatory approach with the main stakeholders involved in the electoral process. The firm will have to propose a monitoring and evaluation system to ensure the effective implementation of the recommended actions and develop a budget for carrying out these activities over a period of five years.

The study aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Conduct a diagnosis: Identify, analyze and comprehensively document the different facets of electoral corruption, highlighting its underlying causes, concrete manifestations and consequences on the integrity of the electoral process
• Develop an Action Plan: Formulate a comprehensive strategy and specific actions to effectively combat electoral corruption. This strategy should include preventive, corrective and dissuasive measures, while being adapted to the Burkinabe context.
• Propose a monitoring and evaluation system: Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation system to measure the implementation of the recommended actions, assess their effectiveness and make adjustments if necessary. This system will ensure transparency and accountability in the fight against electoral corruption.
• Develop a Multi-Year Budget: Develop a detailed budget covering a three-year period (a three-year action plan from 2024 to 2026) in order to guarantee the necessary funding to effectively implement the strategy to combat electoral corruption. This budget must be realistic and kept up to date throughout the execution period.

• Project: Evaluation of the Support Program for the Implementation of the Response Plan for Educational Continuity in Burkina Faso
• Country: Burkina Faso
• Client: Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
• Period: October 2022-March 2023

Description of the intervention:

ALG was recruited by AFD to conduct the final evaluation of the Response Plan Support Program to (i) report on the activities financed with regard to the criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, gender equality and equity; (ii) highlight what this health crisis has revealed about the functioning of the education system; and (iii) contribute to learning lessons from the management of this situation by the education community, by striving to show the progressive progression of the stages between observations (raw data), findings (developed indicators, ratios), judgments made and lessons/recommendations.

The objective of the service is to conduct the final evaluation of the Support Program for the Response Plan for Educational Continuity in Burkina, which will be carried out at the end of the eighteen months of implementation and will make it possible to report on the activities financed with regard to the criteria of relevance, effectiveness and efficiency.

Beyond the program financed by the GPE, the evaluation will focus on highlighting what this health crisis has revealed about the functioning of the education system to help learn lessons from the management of this situation by the education community. The service provider will strive throughout its work to clearly show and explain the progressive progression of the stages between observations (raw data), findings (developed indicators, ratios), judgments made and lessons/recommendations.