The Government of Rwanda is aiming to increase its development by digitalising the country’s economy and society. Investments have been made in various aspects, including digital infrastructure, public services, and enhancing digital skills among the population. Achieving widespread digitalisation is dependent on strengthening responsible public institutions, particularly the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Innovation (MINICT) and the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA). Supported by The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), this project focuses on advancing the digital transition in Rwanda. A key objective is to ensure that the benefits of digitalisation reach all segments of society, including marginalised groups such as women and people with disabilities. PEMconsult has now finished an evaluation of the project. The evaluation used a mixed-method approach and included fieldwork in Rwanda.

The “People Partner with Nature for Sustainable Living – Integrating Livelihoods and Conservation, Phase III (PPN III)” programme was launched in January 2022 by Civil Society in Development (CISU). Implemented in Kenya, Uganda, and Nepal, PPN III aims to conserve forest sites while generating sustainable benefits for biodiversity, people, and the climate. The main aims of the programme include 1) strengthening sustainability and climate change resilience of local community land-use and livelihoods, 2) maintaining and improving the conservation status of PPN forests, and 3) contributing to the sustainability and upscaling of participatory forest management. PEMconsult was assigned by CISU to conduct a mid-term review of PPN II. The review’s overall objective is to assess the first two years of PPN III implementation, including evaluating the strategic approach of the programme, assessing preliminary results, and reviewing budget performance.

The OECD Clean Energy Finance and Investment Mobilisation (CEFIM) Programme was launched in 2019 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Originally introduced in Colombia, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, CEFIM now also encompasses Egypt, the Philippines, and South Africa. Denmark has supported CEFIM with a Voluntary Contribution of DKK 35 million during 2019-2024, focusing on grid-scale renewable power and energy efficiency. An additional DKK 40 million has been reserved for a proposed Phase II of Danish support for the CEFIM over 2024-2028. PEMconsult serves as process consultant in the formulation of this new phase of proposed support, in a contract with the Department for Green Diplomacy and Climate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, and in close liaison with the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities, and OECD. Key aspects of the project formulation include eliciting results and lessons of the first phase of

Healthy coastal and ocean ecosystems are essential for climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable economies—yet they remain critically underfunded. Mobilising finance for blue nature-based solutions (NbS) is key to bridging this gap. PEM is currently finalising a mid-term review of two re-granting mechanisms managed by the IUCN Ocean Team that aim to unlock this potential. The Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF) supports the development of innovative, nature-based, and economically sustainable projects that generate clear ecosystem service benefits through diverse income streams and appropriate risk-return profiles. The Blue Carbon Accelerator Fund (BCAF) builds on BNCFF’s foundation, offering dedicated funding to support blue carbon restoration and conservation projects in developing countries —helping to pave the way for private sector finance. The MTR’s findings and recommendations will help fine-tune project management and early results, ensuring both mechanisms remain effective, adaptable, and well-aligned with their goals. The recommendations will also contribute to strengthening the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system to facilitate impact-driven adaptive management. 📸: Blueyou – The Selva Shrimp project, Indonesia