CLEAR-FA Trains Government Officials in Benin to Use Digital M&E System
The Centre for Learning on Evaluation and Results for Francophone Africa (CLEAR–FA), an implementing partner of the Global Evaluation Initiative (GEI), supported the municipality of Glazoué in central Benin to develop a digital Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation System (IMES) to strengthen evidence-informed territorial governance. The initiative was implemented in close collaboration with Le Baromètre—a Benin‑based institute specializing in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and the development of digital evidence systems—and aimed to improve the production and use of data for local policy making at the municipal level.
Through the initiative, 52 local government officials, including 8 women, strengthened their capacity to collect, analyze, and strategically use data to inform public decision-making. The training, held from 16 to 19 December 2025, emphasized the use of IMES as a structured decision-support tool to improve municipal planning, monitor local actions, and enhance the effectiveness of local public policies.
In addition to training on the use of the IMES, participants strengthened skills in data‑driven advocacy, institutional leadership, and resource mobilization. These complementary capacities support the sustainable production and use of territorial data and help ensure that evidence is systematically integrated into municipal decision‑making, particularly within the Local Development and Planning Departments (DDLP), the Technical Services Departments (DST), and other municipal units involved in the planning, programming, budgeting, and M&E.
The initiative reflects GEI’s integrated systems approach to M&E strengthening, which combines capacity development, locally led solutions, and partnerships with trusted national and local actors. By working with Le Baromètre and municipal authorities, CLEAR–FA supported local ownership of the digital system and reinforced the role of evidence in strengthening public sector performance and service delivery at the local level.
Dr. Deo-Gracias Houndolo, Lead of Le Baromètre, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, "Strengthening the capacities of decision-makers and technical staff of decentralized local authorities in advocacy, leadership, and fundraising, while introducing the digitalized IMES in Glazoué, represents a decisive step in promoting scientific advice in development."
Local authorities welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to building on the training outcomes by promoting the systematic use of evidence in municipal decision-making. The municipality of Glazoué plans to build on the IMES to further strengthen planning, monitoring, and accountability processes in support of local development priorities.
Reflecting on the training, M. Meya Rock, Executive Secretary of the Municipality of Glazoué, noted that “this training demonstrated how essential data and evidence are for improving local governance. The quality of the exchanges and the strong engagement of participants confirm the relevance of investing in capacity building to strengthen evidence-informed decision-making at the municipal level.”
M. Gilles Houndolo, Mayor of the Municipality of Glazoué, reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment, stating, “The municipality of Glazoué is firmly committed to promoting the systematic use of evidence in public decision-making. We intend to build on the outcomes of this workshop to strengthen local governance and ensure that data-driven approaches effectively support our development priorities.”
This initiative highlights the added value of CLEAR–FA in supporting country‑led and locally owned M&E systems through strong partnerships with local actors. By fostering ownership, sustainability, and a culture of evidence use, CLEAR–FA supports GEI’s focus on strengthening coherent, country‑led evaluation ecosystems and institutionalizing the sustained use of evidence in public decision‑making.