Today, we took the opportunity of hearing from Simon O’Connor, Head of Secretariat for the Ukraine Donor Platform (UDP, https://ukrainedonorplatform.com), in a detailed discussion about the platform’s crucial role in supporting Ukraine. Simon, an official with over 25 years of experience in policy and communications, took up his role in July 2024 and provided invaluable … Read more
Series Evaluation Insights for Policy and Programming Evaluation Report: IPA II 2017 and IPA II 2019 Annual Action Programmes Policy-Oriented Synthesis for Decision-Makers, Practitioners, and Stakeholders Context The Republic of North Macedonia is a candidate country for European Union membership, and private sector competitiveness is a cornerstone of its accession agenda. The country’s economy is … Read more
A recent discussion, “Empowering Africa’s Entrepreneurs: Catalyzing Private Investment for Growth,” convened at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, tackled the critical challenge of unlocking private capital for Africa’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Moderated by Mr. Lucy Dempy, the session brought together key stakeholders, including Anna Sophie Herken (Managing Director, GIZ), Obiageli Ezekwesili (Founder and President, Human Capital … Read more
The European Union’s vision for sustainable global partnerships is embodied in two key frameworks: Team Europe Initiatives (TEIs) and the Global Gateway (GG) strategy. These frameworks aim to foster coordinated efforts among EU Member States, mobilize investments, and drive transformative impacts in partner countries. However, bringing this vision to life requires the expertise and innovation … Read more
Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool for economic development and policymaking across Africa. As African nations explore ways to leverage AI, there is a growing focus on ensuring its responsible and ethical implementation. This approach aims to harness AI’s potential while addressing unique challenges and opportunities in the African context. The Promise … Read more
Series Evaluation Insights for Policy and Programming Increasing Sierra Leone’s Competitiveness through Enhanced Productivity and Trade Compliance in Selected Value Chains Context Sierra Leone’s economy is heavily dependent on mining, making it structurally vulnerable to external shocks. Agriculture accounts for nearly half of GDP and employs more than three-quarters of the population, yet micro, small, … Read more
Global Gateway: The EU launches new regional initiatives in Africa to boost youth mobility and skills, including the unique Africa-Europe Youth Academy Today at the Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education in Brussels, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen launched new regional programmes boosting youth mobility and skills in Africa. The Team Europe Initiative on Opportunity-driven Skills … Read more
Jutta Urpilainen, European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, announced the EU’s Digital Economy Package for Kenya during her official visit to Kenya. The package reflects the EU’s strong commitment to Kenya’s technological transition by expanding school connectivity, providing skills training for students, and establishing a green digital innovation hub as part of the Global Gateway … Read more
Series Evaluation Insights for Policy and Programming Context The Amazon rainforest faces accelerating deforestation driven by conventional agriculture, illegal land use change, and the absence of economically viable alternatives for local communities. As Brazil committed under the Paris Agreement to halt illegal deforestation by 2030, promoting sustainable production systems in Amazonia became both a national … Read more
The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, represented by the Portuguese Presidency, signed the regulation establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI-Global Europe). The regulation entered into force on 14 June 2021. With a new financial instrument for neighbourhood, development and international cooperation (the so-called NDICI-Global Europe … Read more
Directorate-General (DG) International Cooperation and Development will officially become DG International Partnerships (DG INTPA) on 16 January 2021. The new title, mission statement and structure reflect the important role of international partnerships in shaping a stronger role for the EU globally, in eradicating poverty, advancing towards the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting democracy, human rights … Read more
Series Evaluation Insights for Policy and Programming Context The report “External Evaluation of Sida‑Funded ISO Capacity‑Building Activities” reviews two closely linked interventions implemented by the International Organization for Standardization’s Capacity Building Unit and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, Sida. The first is the ISO Action Plan for Developing Countries 2016–2020, which provides … Read more
