USAID Ukraine Economic Resilience Activity Mid-Term Performance Evaluation Report

with a period of performance from August 2018–August 2024 and a total estimated cost of $71.8 million. The activity aims to promote economic growth and resilience in Ukraine by supporting the development of the private sector, improving access to finance, and enhancing the capacity of local actors to advance USAID objectives. The evaluation assessed the relevance, effectiveness, sustainability, efficiency, and unintended effects of ERA's implementation to date through five specific evaluation questions. The evaluation found that ERA appears on track to achieve expected results in most areas, even in the midst of a global pandemic. ERA staff have demonstrated adaptability in addressing challenges and areas of underperformance. Significant results have been achieved through individual consultations and peer-to-peer learning, material and curriculum support to educational institutions, multi-phased "stacked" technical assistance to target businesses, and support for city and regional economic strategy development. ERA's access to finance pilots have shown promising results and can be further strengthened. The evaluation also found that ERA assistance has reached women and vulnerable groups, but those groups could be further integrated into growth sector work, and they face challenges that hinder their outcomes. Examples of promising partnerships and sustainable approaches include ERA's work with education partners engaging in dual education and city councils that have gained capacity in participatory planning and constituent relations. The evaluation provides recommendations for further bolstering ERA's results and promoting sustainability in its remaining years of implementation. These recommendations include strengthening ERA's access to finance pilots, increasing the integration of women and vulnerable groups into growth sector work, and building the capacity of local actors to advance USAID objectives. The evaluation was conducted by SSG Advisors (d/b/a Resonance) under the Analytical Services in support of ERA contract. The evaluation team consisted of experts in various fields, including economic growth, access to finance, and education. The evaluation used a range of methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews. The evaluation found that ERA has made significant progress in achieving its objectives, but there are areas for improvement. The evaluation provides a comprehensive assessment of ERA's performance and offers recommendations for further strengthening the activity's results and promoting sustainability in its remaining years of implementation. The evaluation's findings and recommendations are presented in the following sections: Evaluation Question 1, Evaluation Question 2, Evaluation Question 3, Evaluation Question 4, Evaluation Question 5, and Cross-Cutting. The evaluation also includes annexes that provide additional information on the evaluation team, methods, and findings. Overall, the evaluation provides a comprehensive assessment of ERA's performance and offers recommendations for further strengthening the activity's results and promoting sustainability in its remaining years of implementation.