This evaluation covers UNCTAD project “Coherent strategies for productive capacity development in African Least Developed Countries (LDCs)”, funded through the 12th Tranche of the United Nations Development Account, and implemented during the period February 2020 - December 2023 with a total actual budget of USD 531,140. 

The project aimed at supporting selected LDCs in Africa (Burkina Faso, Rwanda and Tanzania) to strengthen their capacity to formulate and implement policies and strategies focused on enhancing their productive capacities in view of fostering structural economic transformation and the achievement of the SDGs.

Evaluation purpose, objectives, scope and intended users

The end-of-project evaluation sought to assess (i) project design and (ii) project implementation in the period 2020 - 2023. It examined the following: the relevance of the project, its effectiveness, its efficiency, and the likely sustainability of its results.

The evaluation also looked at cross- cutting issues, including gender mainstreaming and other inclusion issues, as well as the project’s response to COVID-19.

The evaluation’s findings will feed into decision making at the level of UNCTAD and the Capacity Development Programme Management of UNDESA, aiming to enhance the design and implementation of future follow-on projects and similar initiatives elsewhere.

Evaluation methodology

The evaluation has been conducted in accordance with UNCTAD and Development Account Evaluation Guidelines and was guided by the project results framework (Annex 2), a list of core questions specified in the Evaluation Matrix (Annex 3) and an Interview Guide (Annex 4).

The evaluation findings are based on the triangulation of information obtained from (i) a document review and (ii) stakeholder interviews (virtual in the case of Burkina Faso; in situ as regards Rwanda and Tanzania).

The interviews followed a participatory approach, allowing the different stakeholders to share information and their views on project implementation.