PEMconsult has been commissioned to carry out the mid-term evaluation (MTE) of the Local Development Programme (LDP LAO/338 2023–2027) in Laos, which is now entering its third year of implementation. The LDP is a large, complex programme focusing on improving livelihoods, public service delivery, and community resilience in rural areas of Laos. It supports enhanced service provision and local development planning at central, provincial, district, and village levels—ensuring that no one is left behind.
The MTE will provide valuable insights for the Government of Laos, the donor, and implementing partners by assessing progress to date and identifying areas for improvement. The evaluation is designed as a learning exercise to inform programming for 2026–2027 and support strategic decision-making, including a potential extension of the programme. The LDP is one of four bilateral programmes under the Fifth Indicative Cooperation Programme (ICP V) between the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (2023–2027). The programme is implemented by LuxDev, Luxembourg’s development cooperation agency. It builds on the foundations of the previous LAO/030 programme (2017–2022), with continued emphasis on participatory planning, inclusive development, and strengthening local governance structures in partnership with the Ministry of Planning and Investment.