Evaluation Briefs

This report presents the findings of an evaluation of the Bank Group’s Equity Investments. This evaluation was conducted in order to inform Bank’s decisions on the future use of equity investments by identifying lessons and potential areas for improvement. As such, the purpose of the evaluation is two-fold: 1) assess the relevance and performance of the Bank’s equity investments; and 2) identify lessons, recommendations and areas for improvement.

This evaluation reviews the assistance provided by the African Development Bank (the Bank) to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from 2006 to 2013. The evaluation assessed the relevance, additionality, effectiveness, sustainability, and efficiency of SME assistance operations, as well as the Bank’s approach to SME development. The exercise involved a combination of desk work, including review of all relevant documents from various sources, and field work, including missions to six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia).

 This evaluation examines the Bank Group’s assistance to Cameroon over the 2004–2013 period as well as its contribution to the country’s development. Its aim is to draw relevant lessons to help improve future strategy and operations.

The evaluation is based on a document review, sector evaluations and discussions with stakeholders. It focuses on transport, energy, water and sanitation and governance, the priorities of the Country Strategy Papers (CSPs).

Transport infrastructure development continues to be the main priority underpinning the African Development Bank’s assistance. Between 2000 and 2011, AfDB commitments to the transport sector increased more than six-fold, from UA 150 million to approximately UA 1 billion.