Evaluation Standards and Knowledge Control Shape Governance in African Development

According to an analysis by Takunda Chirau, Steven Masvaure, and Hlanganani Mnguni, the evaluation of development projects reflects what is deemed important and whose knowledge is trusted globally. These evaluation standards directly influence how resources are allocated, making them a crucial aspect of global development governance. While the African Union (AU) and its member states have consistently advocated for structural reforms to secure greater representation and a stronger voice for Africa, these demands frequently overlook a fundamental lever of power: the control over knowledge and evidence. The authors argue that achieving true influence in global development requires addressing who sets the criteria for judging project success and whose evidence is relied upon. Consequently, gaining control over knowledge management and evidence-based assessment is just as essential for Africa as securing financial resources or formal political representation in international forums.