It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear colleague Susan, who passed away on Saturday after a short illness. Susan was a highly valued member of our team for many years. With her professionalism, warmth, and dedication, she left a lasting impression on both colleagues and clients. Her commitment, insight, and positive spirit inspired everyone who had the pleasure of working with her. We will remember Susan not only for her professional excellence but also for her kindness and humanity. She will be deeply missed by all of us. Our thoughts go out to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. With heartfelt sympathy, Her colleagues at PEMconsult and PEM EA

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

PEM is completing an exit assessment and impact evaluation of the European Union’s (EU’s) support to the Nordic Horn of Africa Opportunities Fund (NHAOF), commissioned by the Impact Fund Denmark (formerly IFU). The Fund provides Sharia-compliant loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Somalia— where access to capital remains extremely limited and the business environment poses significant challenges. The Fund seeks to foster local economic growth through private sector development, improve access to essential goods and services, create jobs and income-generating opportunities, and promote gender equality, with a particular focus on empowering women-owned and youth-owned enterprises. PEM’s evaluation assessed the Fund’s impact, efficiency and effectiveness, with special attention given to development outcomes and beneficiary experiences, the Fund’s contribution to observed changes, potential risks and unintended effects, its influence on Somalia’s financial markets, and the additional value created—especially at the enterprise level and in terms of employment. Gender and youth