The 15th Annual Conference of the Ethiopian Evaluation Association (EEvA) concluded today at Jimma University, having successfully brought together the nation’s leading evaluation experts, policymakers, and development partners. The two-day event, held from October 14-15 under the theme “Accelerating Ethiopia’s Development: Strengthening National Evaluation Capacity,” served as a critical platform for shaping the future of evidence-based decision-making in the country.
The conference was designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among a diverse group of stakeholders, including evaluators, researchers, government officials, development partners, and young emerging evaluators, underscoring a collective commitment to building a robust evaluation ecosystem.
A key highlight of the conference was the presentation and stakeholder consultation on the draft National Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Policy, prepared by the Ministry of Planning and Development (MoPD). Attendees provided valuable inputs on the policy, which aims to create a cohesive framework for assessing the impact of national programs. Discussions also centered on the vital roles of universities, civil society organizations (CSOs), government sectors, and development partners in sustainably building national evaluation capacity.
In his address, Mr. Dereje Mamo Tsegaye, President of EEvA, acknowledged the contributions of various organizations and individuals to the conference’s success. “EEvA has created vital forums for professional exchange, supported capacity development through training, and promoted high standards in evaluation,” he stated, reinforcing the association’s mission.
The hosting of this prestigious event at Jimma University highlighted the institution’s pioneering role in the field. The university was the first in Ethiopia to launch an MSc in Health Monitoring and Evaluation Training Program in 2006. Guided by its internationalization strategy, the program is now delivered at its Jimma, Addis Ababa, and Hargeissa campuses.
Dr. Jemal Abafita, President of Jimma University, emphasized the foundational importance of evaluation. “Evaluation is crucial for a country’s socio-economic development as it systematically assesses the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of national policies, programs, and projects,” he said. “It is a great honor to host such a prestigious conference that brings together diverse stakeholders including government leaders, policymakers, development practitioners, academics, researchers, and development partners.”
Her Excellency Mrs. Tirumar Abate, State Minister of the Ministry of Planning and Development, opened the conference by stressing its strategic importance. “Conferences like this one provide a valuable platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking among evaluation actors,” she said. “Such dialogue is critical for strengthening both public and private sector evaluation capacities.”
The 15th Annual EEvA Conference has set a clear and actionable agenda for embedding evaluation at the heart of Ethiopia’s development journey, ensuring that future policies and programs are driven by evidence and deliver tangible results for the Ethiopian people.
We are in the community!!!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JimmaUniv/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JimmaUniv
Telegram: https://t.me/JimmaUniversityOfficial
E-mail: ero@ju.edEEvA