Strategische Evaluierung der Kooperation der OEZA

The Strategic Evaluation of the Private Sector for Development (PS4D) Approach was conducted by Mainlevel Consulting on behalf of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) to assess the PS4D's relevance, coherence, efficiency, and effectiveness from 2015 to 2020. The PS4D aims to leverage the Austrian and European private sector's potential to support sustainable and socially inclusive development in partner countries. Its primary tools include feasibility study grants, economic partnerships, strategic alliances, and broader multi-partner collaborations.

Evaluation Objectives
The evaluation sought to provide evidence-based insights for refining the PS4D approach and align its mechanisms with efforts to expand project financing in Africa. The assessment utilised a theory-based approach and focused on how PS4D contributes to sustainable economic growth, social innovation, and pro-poor development while addressing systemic challenges.

Key Findings

• Relevance and Impact: PS4D aligns with national and international strategic frameworks, fostering synergies between developmental and business goals. While it supports private sector engagement, systemic barriers in addressing vulnerable groups and innovation risk aversion remain.
• Effectiveness: The approach enhanced workforce skills, market competitiveness, and ecosystem strengthening in target countries. However, systemic utilisation of local synergies and broader socio-economic impact require further optimisation.
• Efficiency: Administrative processes and resource allocation posed significant challenges, with a heavy focus on project preparation over implementation and monitoring. Digitalising processes and clarifying roles could mitigate inefficiencies.
• Coherence: Internal stakeholder alignment was a challenge, particularly in defining complementary roles between ADA, private partners, and local institutions.

Recommendations

• Enhance Local Synergies: Strengthen collaboration between companies and local actors for greater impact and sustainability.
• Streamline Processes: Simplify administrative requirements to attract private sector partnerships and reduce operational bottlenecks.
• Focus on Implementation: Reallocate resources to support project monitoring and long-term impact evaluation.
• Encourage Innovation: Develop clearer risk management frameworks to support innovative projects with higher development potential.