I am just starting my new role as Evaluator General of the African Development Bank (the Bank) Group. For me, it will be returning to working on the development challenges of a region I have come to appreciate and love: Africa.
Indeed, my very first job in the World Bank – as a summer intern in 1992! – was on exploring the nexus between population, agriculture and environment in the region, and later I worked as regional economist for Sub-Saharan Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), as well as on important topics for the region, such as extractive industries, infrastructure, financial intermediaries and jobs.
Just before applying for the position, I was reflecting what I should be doing next, starting out with what really motivates me. I came up with the following: (1) Making a difference in people’s lives; (2) addressing real development challenges; (3) helping younger colleagues develop their careers; and (4) interacting with diverse people. The position as Evaluator General at AfDB was the perfect match, and I feel honored to have been selected.
What initially attracted me to development work was seeing a completely failed project – in Nepal – and thinking that the affected people deserve better than what they are getting. That led me to join the World Bank Group as a staff in 1994. Soon I realized that there are many things that can – and should – be done much better, which led me to help build and then lead the project evaluation system in IFC from 1996 to 2004.
I have now been working in independent evaluation and results measurement for well over 20 years, in the World Bank Group and at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). I still feel that I learn something new every day. Making sure we understand what works, what doesn’t and what can be improved is essential to help development institutions improve their results – and ultimately people’s lives. What is also essential is to create a culture of results measurement that influences decision-making and helps drive the institution’s and the continent’s transformation: Ultimately what gets measured – and reported on – gets done.
Africa has many challenges, but it would be wrong to focus only on its problems: There are also enormous opportunities. The region has seen significant growth and much success and many non-regional countries are increasing their engagement and investment.
The Bank’s priorities, the so-called “High 5s”– Light up and power Africa, Feed Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialize Africa and Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa – are well aligned with the region’s needs and development agenda. In addition, with its sizeable physical presence at the regional and national levels – the Bank is uniquely positioned to support its regional member countries tackle these important issues.
I strongly believe that the Bank can make a big difference in the region – and that through excellence in evaluation our independent development evaluation department – IDEV – can make a strong contribution to that effort. One of the focus areas for IDEV needs to be identifying what works in policy, program, and project implementation– and how it can be replicated.
My initial priority will be to listen to our stakeholders on how we can maximize IDEV’s contribution to the Bank and to development in Africa. I would very much welcome any suggestions you may have – as comments sent via email to idevhelpdesk@afdb.org.
About the author:
Roland Michelitsch joined the African Development Bank Group as Evaluator General on September 1st 2019. He reports directly to the Bank’s Board of Directors through the Committee on Operations and Development Effectiveness.