Digital Security as Strategy for Resilience

Purpose and use

This evaluation examines how Sida integrates conflict sensitivity across its strategies and operations, with the purpose of strengthening learning and improving how Sida’s work affects peace and conflict dynamics.

Conclusion

It finds that conflict sensitivity is increasingly embedded in Sida’s portfolio but applied unevenly across contexts. Stronger results emerge where analysis is continuous, partner capacity is high, and adaptation is proactive. Weak monitoring systems and inconsistent feedback loops limit learning and the ability to track outcomes or anticipate risks.

Recommendation

The evaluation recommends establishing minimum standards for conflict sensitivity across all strategies, ensuring regular context updates, strengthening monitoring, evaluation and learning systems with simple indicators, and proactively addressing recurring risks such as gender backlash, unequal targeting, and challenges linked to country exits.

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Annexes

Annex 1: Annex list
Annex 2: Country case studies

Purpose and use

This evaluation of Afrobarometer (AB) was commissioned by the Embassy of Sweden in Addis Ababa covering January 2023–December 202. AB is Africa’s leading source of independent public-opinion data, informing policy and development decisions across 42 countries. The review assessed AB’s relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability to guide future support.

Conclusion

AB is highly relevant and trusted for its independence and methodological rigour. It delivers quality data and analysis with strong capacity-building, though outreach remains urban-focused. Governance and efficiency are robust, and sustainability measures are advancing. Key challenges include timeliness, wider dissemination, stronger African Union engagement and inclusion of marginalised groups.

Recommendation

The Embassy should maintain core funding and pursue donor harmonisation. AB should refine its Theory of Change, strengthen inclusive research, safeguard methodological autonomy and improve dissemination through timely, accessible and localised products. Expanding capacity-building, diversifying financing and securing African Union presence are essential for resilience and policy impact.