Abstract
This mid-term performance evaluation of USAID's West Africa Trade and Investment Hub ("WATIH") addresses activities since the project started in March 2014, and answers three questions: (1) to what extent has WATIH achieved or is on track to achieve outcomes related to IR1 and IR2 and the respective sub-IRs in support of USAID's intended objectives?; (2) what are the benefits and trade-offs of having WATIH as a discrete mechanism for capacity building, value-chain support, and trade facilitation?; and (3) to what extent have selected partners supported through the USAID trade portfolio, including the ACA, GSA, and Borderless Alliance, become effective and sustainable regional institutions in terms of their organizational objectives? The evaluation team conducted qualitative interviews with 89 key public and private sector stakeholders across 12 countries, three focus group discussions, structured observations, and a review of project documents. The evaluation concluded that WATIH has made progress toward improving grades and standards and market information systems, but access to finance is lagging due to implementation capacity challenges and macroeconomic factors. Linkage events for buyers and sellers have not resulted in many executed deals despite the high attendance and popularity of these events. Many local stakeholders would prefer to have a direct relationship with USAID, but the coordination and administrative burdens of transferring the hub's reach to a series of direct partnerships would be prohibitive. USAID's support has been critical to the effectiveness of key regional organizations. However, many of these groups are reliant on donor funds and do not appear to be progressing toward sustainability. (Author abstract, modified)