Our impact
IES drives evidence-based decision-making across the Great Lakes region by generating high-quality data, strengthening MEL systems, and delivering actionable insights for governments, donors and development actors. Our work has directly contributed to improved cross-border trade monitoring, enhanced governance and stabilization efforts, strengthened agricultural value chains, and more effective humanitarian and development programming.
127+
MEL assignments delivered
12
Action-research projects
570+
Enumerators deployed in DRC
270+
Enumerators trained across Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania
6+
Projects delivered in more countries
1000+
Stakeholders trained on MEL & data systems
95%
On-time delivery
Digital tools
PowerBI, Kobo, ODK, CommCare, ArcGIS
Flagship projects
Mensen met een Missie (MM) and Embassy of the Netherlands – MANU 2.0 Final Evaluation
Location: DRC and Burundi
IES conducts the final evaluation of the MANU 2.0 programme implemented by Mensen met een Missie (MM) and funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands. The evaluation applies OECD-DAC criteria and advanced qualitative methods, including the Most Significant Change approach, to assess programme results and influence pathways. It examines the programme’s contribution to strengthening women’s and girls’ leadership and participation in community and institutional decision-making spaces. Data is collected across multiple provinces in both countries using mixed methodologies. Findings guide programming decisions and strategic adjustments for MM and its partners.
FCDO / Cowater International – PARI-TACS (2024–2027)
Location: DRC
IES supports the implementation and digitalization of the MEL system for PARI-TACS, a major public finance reform initiative. The assignment includes the development of performance indicators, digital data tools and reporting systems aligned with government needs. Routine monitoring enables tracking of reforms in transparency, financial governance and institutional capacity. IES contributes to learning, evidence synthesis and strategic oversight. The project strengthens national capacity to evaluate and manage public finance reforms.
World Bank/ PFCIGL – Regional Export Opportunities Study (2024–2025)
Location: DRC, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya
IES conducted a regional diagnostic of cross-border trade dynamics across key Great Lakes corridors. The study combined institutional interviews with customs, migration services, trade associations and small-scale trading platforms. It documented administrative constraints, informal trade practices, and mobility barriers affecting traders—especially women. IES also analyzed trade flows, logistical bottlenecks and coordination gaps between border agencies. The findings guide regional policy harmonization and trade facilitation under the PFCIGL.
Selected Contract Vehicles
Framework Agreement – Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) : Global Evaluation and Monitoring Framework Agreement 2 (GEMFA 2)
IES operates as a subcontractor under the lead framework provider ITAD for Lot 4 (East Africa) of GEMFA 2 — a three-year, multi-million-pound agreement launched on 1 September 2025 that enables FCDO and other UK Government departments to commission Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) services globally.
Through this vehicle, IES will be contributing to high-value MEL, third-party monitoring and research assignments across the Great Lakes region. This positioning further demonstrates IES’s capacity to conform to strict donor procurement standards, to mobilise high-calibre analytical teams and to deliver across East Africa’s complex operational environments.