Lanzhou, China – The International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Center for Evidence-based Social Science of Lanzhou University, deepening international collaboration in the fields of evaluation research, academic exchange, and capacity development.
The signing ceremony took place on June 16, 2025, at Lanzhou University, marking the beginning of a robust partnership focused on promoting evidence-based decision-making, strengthening evaluation capacity, and advancing the global evaluation agenda.
The MoU establishes a five-year framework for collaboration between the two institutions, centered on the co-creation of knowledge, capacity building, and joint implementation of international evaluation projects. The agreement also outlines the intent to host training programs, thematic workshops, and academic forums aimed at enhancing evaluation ecosystems and policy relevance across regions.
“This partnership marks a significant step in bridging global divides in evaluation practice and knowledge sharing,” said Dr. David Sarfo Ameyaw, President of ICED. “By linking African and Asian institutions in meaningful research and capacity-building initiatives, we are advancing our collective ability to generate credible evidence, influence policy, and equip the next generation of evaluation professionals. This partnership advances ICED’s agenda of strengthening the adoption of evidence-based policies by Global South governments and development organizations.”
Professor Kehu Yang, Director of the Center for Evidence-based Social Science at Lanzhou University, noted that the collaboration aligns with Lanzhou University’s strategic mission to globalize its academic partnerships and expand its influence in Evidence-based Science development-focused research.
Through this partnership, ICED and Lanzhou University will foster talent exchange, develop joint research proposals, and support knowledge generation platforms that integrate African, Asian, and global perspectives on evaluation. The initiative is set to contribute meaningfully to building evaluation capacities in the Global South and supporting governments to implement data-driven policies and programs.
Dr. David Sarfo Ameyaw
President and CEO, ICED
Email: dameyaw@iced-eval.org
Website: www.iced-eval.org
Steve Ogutu
Director, Communications and Partnerships
International Centre for Evaluation and Development
Email: hellsteveogutu@gmail.com
