Evaluating a portfolio of projects based on their sustainable development (SD) ratings

Since 2014, AFD (Agence Française de Développement) has been using the Sustainable Development Analysis and Advice (SDAA) system to assess the expected contribution to Sustainable Development of the projects it finances, prior to their implementation. In 2023, this approach was enriched by an analysis at project completion, offering a more comprehensive perspective on their real impact.

Our mission:

We were commissioned to assess the robustness and relevance of this system, while verifying the consistency between AFD's strategic priorities in terms of sustainable development and their concrete implementation in projects.

Methodology

• Portfolio review: Overall analysis of projects rated on completion, comparing ex-ante and ex-post results.
• Cluster evaluation: In-depth qualitative studies of 6 selected projects, including field missions to meet key stakeholders.
• Formulation of operational conclusions and recommendations: robust and usable evaluative analysis to reinforce or adjust the system.

Activity schedule

1. Framing phase: Structuring the evaluation using a matrix defining the questions, criteria and data required.
2. Context analysis and objective assessment: Comparison of project ratings and targeted interviews to deepen findings. Study of a cluster of projects in detail with field interviews.
3. Comprehensive evaluative analysis: Production of detailed reports following field missions and analysis of all available data.
4. Feedback and recommendations : Collaborative workshops with AFD to identify lessons learned and formulate areas for improvement.