Evaluation report 2010:1: The Transition towards a New Partnership
with Egypt

Evaluation report 2010:1: The Transition towards a New Partnership with Egypt (Opens New Window)

Annex 2: People interviewed (Opens New Window)

Annex 3: Evaluation matrix (Opens New Window)

Annex 4: Other donors (Opens New Window)

Annex 5: Documents consulted (Opens New Window)

Annex 6: Mental health (Opens New Window)

Annex 7: Egyptian antiquites information system (Opens New Window)

Annex 8: Hazardous waste management project in Alexandria (Opens New Window)

Annex 9: Consessional credit (Opens New Window)

Annex 10: Finnpartnership (Opens New Window)

Annex 11: Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC) (Opens New Window)

Annex 12: Student exchange (Opens New Window)

Annex 13: Institutional Cooperation Instrument (Opens New Window) 

ISBN 978-951-724-837-2 (printed)
ISBN 978-951-724-838-9 (pdf)
ISSN 1235-7618

The Finnish Government decision to gradually discontinue development cooperation
with middle income countries including Egypt resulted in a new partnership between
Finland and Egypt. The objective of this evaluation was to provide professional, external
views on the transition and on opportunities and possibilities for strengthening
the relations between the two countries. The phasing-out of six grant-based bilateral
aid projects was analyzed by using an evaluation matrix with specific indicators per
evaluation question. The instruments and priority areas were evaluated in the similar
way.

In accordance with the transition strategy the bilateral development cooperation
projects were phased out in a sustainable manner. However, the development and
phasing-in of new instruments took considerable time. The new instruments were insufficiently suited to the Egyptian context. The strategy also set ambitious objectives
to be achieved within a relatively short transition time of three years, without setting
a clear framework for activities and verifiable indicators of progress.

The main lesson from this evaluation is that aid exit and transition strategies necessitate
clear and achievable targets with considerable support of the partner country.
The fact that development of new forms of cooperation can take considerable time
should be taken into account when setting the targets. The use of new instruments
can be maximized when developed within and adapted to local contexts.