HESPI Highlights Institutional Capacity Development Achievements at SALCA Terminal Evaluation Workshop in Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya | 18–23 October 2026

The Horn Economic and Social Policy Institute (HESPI) participated in the SALCA Terminal Evaluation Findings Validation and Learning Workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 18 to 23 October 2026, bringing together implementing partners, the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), and regional technical institutions to review program achievements and explore pathways for sustaining its impact.

HESPI was represented by a four-member delegation comprising Dr. Gebrehiwot Ageba, Director of Research; Dr. Husen Maru, Climate Change and Energy Expert; Ms. Hiwot Gezahegn, Finance and Accounts Director; and Mr. Daniel Fantaye, Programs Manager.

The workshop brought together representatives of the four SALCA implementing partners – HESPI, ACED, CERAPE, and ICCASA – alongside the ACBF SALCA coordination team and regional technical partners, including GGGI and Strathmore University.

A key focus of the workshop was reviewing the institutional capacity development progress achieved since the initial capacity needs assessment in 2022. Partner presentations highlighted improvements in institutional governance, financial management, digital transformation, strategic planning, resource mobilization, gender integration, communications, and climate adaptation research capacity.

The workshop also reviewed preliminary findings from the independent terminal evaluation, which assessed the program against the OECD criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability, alongside gender responsiveness and ACBF implementation support and management.

Discussions also focused on cross-institutional learning, documenting implementation experiences, and identifying opportunities for a potential second phase of SALCA. The implementing partners emphasized the importance of continued support from ACBF to consolidate institutional capacity gains and explore additional resource mobilization opportunities.

An important highlight for HESPI was the financial documentation review conducted by the ACBF Grants and Finance Manager. HESPI’s financial records were found to be complete and properly maintained, while its financial report, prepared in accordance with ACBF reporting requirements, received positive recognition during the workshop.

HESPI’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to institutional development, sound financial management, climate adaptation research, and effective partnerships for sustainable development.

The Institute appreciates its collaboration with ACBF and fellow SALCA partners and remains committed to building on the program’s achievements and advancing institutional capacity and research excellence across the Horn of Africa.