Final Evaluation of the Regional Economic Integration Support Programme (REIS) in Botswana

Project Description

The main objective of the evaluation was to provide the EU Delegation and the SADC Secretariat with an overall independent assessment of the performance of the Final Evaluation of the Regional Economic Integration Support Programme (REIS), paying particular attention to the results/activities of the programme against its objectives. The REIS Programme intended to improve regional economic integration and is based on the SADC Common Agenda and on the priorities set in its Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP). The REIS focused on two SADC Protocols: the SADC Protocol on Trade (STP) and the Protocol on Finance and Investment (FIP). Moreover, the programme supported negotiation and implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The REIS programme addressed implementation issues at the regional level and particularly capacity building of the SADC Secretariat to take forward the regional economic integration agenda. The Evaluation provided:

Assessment of progress to date measured against the performance indicators established in the log frame

Assessment of achievements made in relation to the implementation of the SADC Protocol on Trade and the SADC Protocol on Finance and Investment as well as the EU-SADC EPA

An analysis of remaining gaps in the implementation of the SADC Protocols

Appreciation of unexpected results and achievements

Assessment on the sustainability of the intervention's benefits and what actions are recommended to ensure consolidation and sustainability of the results achieved under REIS

Assessment of the major constraints faced in the implementation of the programme; draw up lessons learned and develop recommendations on how constraints faced and experiences gained can be translated into future programmes

Identification of gaps and new interventions with regard to implementation of the EU-SADC EPA and the ongoing negotiations for the Tripartite and Continental Free Trade Areas

Rapid Assessment of Capacity Development (RAC) in the context of REIS to measure the success and impact of technical cooperation in the strengthening of SADC Secretariat's (and TIFI Directorate in specific) capacities

Appreciation of REIS' results, effects and achievements in the context of cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, environmental sustainability and inclusion of underprivileged groups

Services Provided

Identified the current state-of-play of implementation of REIS and the likelihood of completion of foreseen activities and attainment of expected results within the remaining lifetime of the REIS programme;

Identified the usefulness of an extension of the programme to complete pending and outstanding activities and/or consolidate achievements within the remaining available resources of the REIS programme

Identified remaining gaps within the implementation of the economic integration agenda of SADC and provide recommendations as to what specific thematic areas could be supported under future 11th EDF programmes to consolidate achievements made under REIS as well as support the implementation of the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.