Evaluation of the Energy Sector Framework 2012-2016

The Sector Framework (CIS: Cadre d’Intervention Sectoriel) documents of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) serve as references to anticipate and frame AFD activities in a given sector for a period of three to five years. These documents outline the financial, technical and geographic orientations of activities. The various CISs are assessed to allow the AFD to gain an overview of the financial and non-financial performance (dialogue on policies, studies, research, partnerships, etc.) of its implemented strategies. Econoler was mandated to participate in the evaluation of the AFD Energy CIS 2012-2016 in preparation for the next edition of the document. The project aimed to provide answers on the pertinence of the strategic positioning and defined objectives under the Energy CIS. Other areas covered included its coherence in relation to the discourse strategy, adaptability to evolving contexts, effectiveness as a piloting tool and the efficiency of activities in relation to development results. This evaluation also contributed to improving the use of financing tools and monitoring the results of activities in accordance with the CIS objectives.

Under the mandate, Econoler carried out the following tasks:

• Elaborated a methodology to evaluate the CIS 2012-2016 on the basis of discourse, strategy, activity portfolio and results;
• Evaluated the CIS 2012-2016 strategy and discourse according to the following criteria: pertinence; internal and external coherence; implementation rate; efficiency; and impact;
• Reviewed the energy sector and how it evolved over recent years, particularly in the energy efficiency and energy access sectors;
• Analyzed the existing project portfolio under the Energy CIS and project coherence with CIS objectives, and a approximately 10 case studies of AFD projects;
• Conducted a comparative study of AFD strategies against those of other financial backers in terms of financial and operational tools, as well as projects supporting policies;
• Conducted interviews, including one on-site mission to Mexico, to confirm the conclusions of the document review;
• Formulated recommendations in preparation for the next edition of the document;
• Presented evaluation results at a conference at AFD headquarters.

 The periodical evaluation of the Energy CIS allows the AFD to improve future strategies according to how the energy sector evolves and in accordance with international good practices.A summary of the evaluation is available on the AFD website under the title “ExPost n°69 Évaluation du CIS Énergie 2012-2016 – Synthèse de l’évaluation”.