Evaluation of the Afghanistan Analysts Network’s Programme 2020-2024

The Afghanistan Analysts Network (AAN) is an independent non-profit policy research organisation. It aims to bring together the knowledge, experience and drive of a researchers, analysts and experts to better inform policy and to increase the understanding of Afghan realities. It is driven by engagement and curiosity and is committed to producing analysis on Afghanistan and its region, which is independent, of high quality and research-based.  Since its establishment in 2009, AAN’s publications have informed and influenced the work of Afghan and international policymakers, journalists, development workers and academics and others interested in Afghanistan and its region. AAN’s analysts are regularly asked to speak at conferences and briefings around the world, and frequently appear as commentators in the media.

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) is a key donor that has supported the Afghanistan Analysts Network (AAN) since its inception in 2009. The current grant agreement was signed in May 2020 for a period of two years.

Although AAN continued to write and publish reports that were very well-read and the readership remained stable and widespread, these changes made the AAN’s Programme Document “Understanding Afghanistan’s Transformation 2020 – 2024” obsolete. As AAN began the process of redrafting of the Programme Document, this evaluation should help both AAN and SIDA understand better how their shared priorties and objectives fit in the new socio-economic and political cirumstances in Afghanistan. It also focused on results achieved and provided recommendations for the future.

The primary intended users of the evaluation were AAN, Sida’s HUM/ASIA Department and other AAN’s donors.