About African evaluation association
The African Evaluation Association (AfrEA) is a non-profit organization that serves as an umbrella for African Voluntary Organizations for Professional Development (VOPEs). The organization was established in 1999 with the aim of promoting and advocating for evaluation practices in Africa. AfrEA has since grown to become a leading voice in the evaluation field, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and networking among evaluators across the continent.
One of AfrEA's primary objectives is to promote the use of evaluation as a tool for evidence-based decision making. The organization believes that evaluations play a critical role in informing policy and programmatic decisions, particularly in areas such as health, education, agriculture, and governance. To achieve this objective, AfrEA works closely with its member VOPEs to build their capacity in conducting high-quality evaluations that meet international standards.
AfrEA also plays an important role in promoting equity-focused evaluations that take into account issues of gender equality and social inclusion. The organization recognizes that evaluations can perpetuate inequalities if they do not consider these factors. As such, it advocates for evaluators to adopt an equity-focused lens when designing and implementing evaluations.
In addition to its advocacy work on evaluation practices, AfrEA also provides various services to its members. These include training programs on monitoring and evaluation (M&E), conferences and workshops on emerging trends in the field of evaluation, access to online resources such as journals and databases on M&E best practices.
AfrEA's membership comprises over 40 VOPEs from across Africa. These VOPEs are made up of individuals who are passionate about advancing the practice of M&E on the continent. Through their membership with AfrEA, these individuals have access to a network of like-minded professionals who share their passion for evidence-based decision making.
Overall, AfrEA plays an important role in advancing M&E practices across Africa by providing leadership through advocacy efforts aimed at promoting equitable access to high-quality evaluations. The organization's commitment to building the capacity of VOPEs and promoting knowledge sharing among evaluators has contributed significantly to the growth of M&E practices on the continent. As such, AfrEA is a valuable resource for anyone interested in advancing M&E practices in Africa.