Center for Social Impact of Development Project / Program in Africa

Overview

The Center for Social Impact of Development Project Program in Africa is a center that aims to measure and enhance the social impact of development projects and programs in Africa. The center was established in 2022 by AEFID, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and other partners. The center provides tools, methods, and guidance for assessing and improving the social outcomes and sustainability of development interventions in Africa. The center also facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experience, and best practices among the African development stakeholders. The center covers four main thematic areas: poverty reduction, gender equality, social inclusion, and social innovation. The center has partnered with several African countries and regions.

What We Do

Why We Do It

Vision & Mission

Vision

To be a leading center of excellence in social impact assessment and management for development in Africa, enabling better lives and well-being for all.

Mission

To support and strengthen the social impact of development projects and programs in Africa, by providing tools, methods, and guidance for assessing and improving the social outcomes and sustainability of development interventions, facilitating the sharing of knowledge, experience, and best practices among the development stakeholders, and supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063.

Aims

The aims of the Center for Social Impact of Development Project Program in Africa are to:

  • Support and strengthen the social impact of development projects and programs in Africa, as the key dimension of development effectiveness and sustainability.
  • Enhance the lives and well-being of African people, by ensuring that development interventions are responsive to their needs, preferences, and aspirations.
  • Contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063, by aligning development interventions with the global and continental frameworks and indicators.

Objectives

The objectives of the Center for Social Impact of Development Project Program in Africa are to:

  • Provide tools, methods, and guidance for assessing and improving the social impact of development projects and programs in Africa, covering the four main thematic areas of poverty reduction, gender equality, social inclusion, and social innovation.
  • Facilitate the sharing of knowledge, experience, and best practices among the African development stakeholders, such as national and regional authorities, institutions, organizations, and communities.
  • Support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063, by providing evidence and recommendations for enhancing the social impact and sustainability of development interventions.
  • Conduct and support research and innovation in the field of social impact assessment and management, to improve the understanding and practice of social impact for development in Africa.

Governance:

The Center for Social Impact of Development Project Program in Africa is governed by a board of trustees, which is responsible for setting the strategic direction, overseeing the performance, and ensuring the accountability of the center. The board consists of representatives from AEFID, AEF and other development partners. The board meets at least twice a year and operates according to the terms of reference and the code of conduct established by AEFID.

The board delegates the day-to-day management and operation of the center to the center director, who is appointed by the board and reports to the board. The center director leads and manages a team of staff, consultants, and volunteers who work on the various activities and projects of the center. The center director also liaises and coordinates with the development stakeholders, such as national and regional authorities, institutions, organizations, and communities, who are involved in or benefit from the center’s work.

The center has an advisory panel, which provides independent and expert advice and guidance to the board and the center director on the technical and strategic aspects of the center’s work. The advisory panel consists of eminent and experienced individuals from various fields and sectors related to social impact and development. The advisory panel meets at least once a year and operates according to the terms of reference and the code of conduct established by AEFID.

The center adheres to the principles and standards of good governance, such as accountability, transparency, integrity, stewardship, efficiency, and leadership. The center follows the policies and procedures of AEFID, as well as the relevant laws and regulations of the countries and regions where it operates. The center also conducts regular audits and evaluations of its activities and projects, and reports on its achievements and challenges to the board, the partners, and the public.