Accra, Ghana | July 17, 2025 – The International Center for Evaluation and Development (ICED) and The Research & Evaluation Centre (The REC) have officially signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marking the beginning of a strategic partnership to deepen research, evaluation, and evidence-informed policymaking across Africa.
The newly established partnership provides a framework for long-term collaboration between the two organizations, combining expertise and networks to implement robust, data-driven programs that improve lives and promote sustainable development outcomes across the continent.
“This partnership represents a major step forward in building an ecosystem of locally rooted, globally connected knowledge systems in Africa,” said Dr. David Ameyaw, President and CEO of ICED. “Together with The REC, we will not only strengthen evaluation capacity and data systems, but also promote the uptake of local evidence that can drive real impact where it matters most-within communities.”
The collaboration will focus on a broad range of thematic areas including food systems, nutrition, education, rural development, digital ID systems, community resilience, and tracking of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa Union Agenda 2063. Key joint activities will include research and policy analysis, impact evaluations, project design, dissemination of good practices, and advocacy for evidence-based policymaking.
"At The REC, we are committed to ensuring that rigorous research leads to tangible outcomes for the people who need it most. We are also committed to working with early and middle career researchers," said Juliana N Amadi PhD, CEO of The REC. “This partnership with ICED creates a powerful platform to scale innovative research, deepen learning, and support governments and institutions in Africa with timely and actionable evidence.”
The MOU emphasizes the importance of joint resource mobilization, development of a shared research agenda, and coordinated engagement with public and private stakeholders, academic institutions, and civil society actors. By aligning their strengths, ICED and REC aim to elevate the role of evidence in shaping transformative policies that improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.
The International Center for Evaluation and Development (ICED) is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. ICED works to strengthen evaluation systems and research capacity in Africa to inform effective policies, programs, and investments that contribute to inclusive development.
The Research & Evaluation Centre (The REC) is an international organization based in London, United Kingdom. It supports high-quality, policy-relevant research and evaluation to address development challenges and promote better lives in developing and transition countries. The REC is also committed to working with and supporting early and mid-career researchers, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
For media inquiries, please contact:
ICED Media Team
Email: hellosteveogutu@gmail.com
Website: www.iced-eval.org
REC Communications Office
Email: info@therec.co.uk
Website: www.therec.co.uk
