Evaluation

PEMconsult East Africa in association with WEMA Consult conducted a poverty and social impact assessment for the Sustainable Management of Mineral Resources Programme (SMMRP) with the aim of informing the project on the poverty reduction effectiveness of sector reforms and SMMRP implementation. The PSIA examined the assumptions underlying mineral sector reforms, evaluated the potential poverty and social impact of the 2009 Mineral Policy on mining communities, assessed the short and the long-term implications of the Mineral Policy of 2009, and provided policy options for maximization of the benefit of the Mineral Policy. The study involved a broad range of stakeholders in a debate on the reforms that were being considered.

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PEMconsult East Africa carried out a comprehensive analysis of the gaps between policy and implementation of national policies, legislative reforms and global commitments to promote gender equality. The underlying impediments to gender equality in the country were also analysed, for further understanding on the underlying causes and how to address them. The conceptual framework to guide analysis was based on an assessment of the existing institutional framework and systems to promote gender equality, such as: a) the mechanisms in place to hold responsible officials and/or stakeholders, b) mechanisms in place to monitor progress and results, and c) challenges in implementing projects promoting gender equality, such as the capacity of actors to play their assigned roles and responsibilities, and understand national policies and international protocols.

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PEMconsult East Africa was contracted by Afrikan Image to undertake a monitoring and process evaluation of the Communication in Rural Business Component of an IFAD funded Rural Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Support Programme (MUVI). MUVI was implemented by the Tanzania Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) to empower rural entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium scale farmers and businesses, with agro-processing and farming methods, and to offer opportunities for the rural entrepreneurs to access information on markets and market prices, loans and credit schemes, among others, in order to improve quality of their products, expand their businesses and increase yield. The overall objective was to reduce rural income poverty and to improve livelihoods of the poorest groups. The programme was piloted with five value chains: dairy products, cassava, citrus fruits, oranges and pineapples, sunflower, and tomatoes.

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The Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) programme, established in 2001, aims to harmonise the assessment of public financial management systems across development partners.
It was developed as a joint initiative by the European Commission, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the governments of France, Switzerland, Norway, and the United Kingdom, later joined by Slovakia and Luxembourg.
PEM was selected to evaluate the French Development Agency’s contributions to PEFA from 2018 to 2023. The evaluation focused on strengthening communication of results, drawing lessons to inform future engagement, and ensuring transparent and accountable use of public funds.
Small contract value under 50,000 €.

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In 2022, AIDS-Fondet launched a four-year programme, “HIV Prevention, Resilience & Well-being among Key Populations in Malawi & Uganda”. The programme aims to reduce HIV infections among key populations (KPs) and strengthen the welfare and well-being of people living with HIV. Key populations include sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender individuals, who face a disproportionate burden of HIV/AIDS. AF works closely with local civil society organisations to implement the programme.
PEM was commissioned to conduct a midterm evaluation of the first three years. The evaluation assessed the programme’s effectiveness for civil society, the integration of income-generating activities, and the potential for incorporating climate considerations. It included stakeholder interviews, focus group discussions, and a field mission to Uganda.
Small contract value under 50,000 €.

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The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency tasked SALAR International and Avfall Sverige to develop a multi-year programme supporting reforms in Ukraine’s municipal solid waste (MSW) sector.
As part of a seven-month preparatory design phase, the study mapped financial institutions active in Ukraine’s MSW sector, including their financing instruments, project sizes, criteria, and past experience. It also explored alternative funding channels, such as bilateral donors, in the context of Ukraine’s National Reconstruction Plan, EU accession agenda, and the EU Green Deal.
PEM was appointed to conduct this part of the development of the multi-year programme for Swedish support to reforms of the MSW sector in Ukraine.
Small contract value under 50,000 €.

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In 2003, the management of Danish bilateral development cooperation was decentralised, giving embassies responsibility for programme formulation and implementation. The goal was to enhance the quality and effectiveness of Denmark’s development cooperation.
Twenty years later, a new evaluation examines how development cooperation is managed at both central and embassy levels, considering the evolution of modalities, instruments, and practices.
PEM was commissioned to evaluate four key themes: the main developments in Danish development cooperation since 2009; alignment of these changes with the decentralisation goals; adherence to adaptive management principles; and lessons to guide future improvements in aid management.
Large contract value above 150,000 €.

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PEM was commissioned to evaluate the Vocational Skills Development (VSD) programmes of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. The evaluation assessed strategic steering, programme results, good practices, and opportunities for international policy dialogue. It focused on private sector involvement, VSD system development, and the effectiveness of SDC’s decentralised structure following the 2022 reorganisation and whether there has been a changes compared to the pre-reorganization structure.
The evaluation combined portfolio analysis, document reviews, interviews, focus groups, surveys, and case studies across nine countries, including fieldwork in Egypt, Nepal, Serbia, and Tanzania. Findings highlighted successes, challenges, and lessons, with recommendations to strengthen SDC’s strategic and operational approaches.
Medium contract value between 50,000 and 150,000€.

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The Government of Rwanda aims to increase its development by digitalising the economy and society, including investments in digital infrastructure, public services, and digital skills.
The programme supports responsible public institutions, primarily the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and Innovation (MINICT) and the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), in leading this digital transition.
Key objectives include ensuring equitable access to digital benefits for all, particularly disadvantaged groups such as women and people with disabilities, and fostering community engagement. The project also prioritises machine translation, providing Kinyarwanda language sets and training to expand digital inclusion.
Medium contract value between 50,000 and 150,000€.

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PEM was appointed by the European Union to evaluate its cooperation with Western Balkan countries, focusing on waste management and urban wastewater sectors during 2016–2020, specifically under pillar 3 of the GAWB, , specifically on the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) and IPA bilateral and regional operations.
The evaluation provided an independent assessment of EU investments and programmes and identified lessons and recommendations to improve current and future strategies. It followed EuropeAid methodology and OECD DAC criteria, while also considering cross-cutting issues such as human rights, gender, and climate.
Large contract value above 150,000 €.

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Pakistan’s textile and fashion industry (primarily located in Punjab) is the country’s largest economic sector, yet productivity remains low and sustainability challenges are significant. High water, chemical, and energy use, poor working conditions, especially for informal workers and women, and weak enforcement of labor and environmental laws limit the industry’s competitiveness. With global buyers increasingly demanding sustainably produced textiles, the sector urgently needs modernization with sustainable production as a crucial success factor.
PEM was assigned to support this transition by promoting sustainable production practices and strengthening productivity, competitiveness, and resilience across the industry. We worked with both public and private stakeholders to encourage the adoption of economic, environmental, and social standards.
Medium contract value between 50,000 and 150,000€.

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The Good Financial Governance (GFG) Programme III supports Zambia in addressing fiscal challenges due to insufficient public revenues and a lack of budget credibility and strengthening public financial management following the country’s IMF agreement. Funded by Germany and the EU, the programme works with key institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, Zambia Revenue Authority, and Zambia Public Procurement Authority, to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
PEM was commissioned by GIZ to assess the programme’s long-term impact and sustainability, considering previous modules and synergies with broader public administration reforms and EU co-financing.
Medium contract value between 50,000 and 150,000€.

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