Institutionalizing evidence use is a 3ie priority, and we are proud to announce the launch of the Egyptian Observatory for Evaluation & Policy Making in partnership with the Government of Egypt. Formalized by an MoU signed on 14 August 2025, this observatory brings together the Ministry of Planning, the Institute of National Planning (INP), and the Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC), and 3ie to strengthen systems for monitoring, evaluation, and evidence use. Aligned with Egypt Vision 2030, the Observatory will support critical policy processes—including Egypt’s upcoming Finance and Planning Strategy—while fostering collaboration with CAPMAS and the Egypt Impact Lab.

Read more about this landmark initiative and how it will shape evidence-based policymaking in Egypt.

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Nine common challenges geospatial analysis can solve: real-world case studies from 3ie 

Have you ever wondered how remote tools can help in areas where roads are rough, resources are scarce, or past data is missing? From hard-to-reach areas and tracking long-term change to mapping what surveys can’t capture—the examples in our latest blog offer a fresh way to solve tough evaluation challenges. We share four real-world cases where geospatial data allowed us to study fragile and inaccessible contexts, build robust counterfactuals, verify observations after project closure, and access historical data. If you’re designing a study or just curious how technology can enhance development work, we invite you to:

• Read this blog and share reflections.
• Explore 3ie’s Remote Sensing Inventory for guidance, resources, and examples.
• Share feedback on indicators, methods, or datasets we should add.
• Reach out (on info [at] 3ieimpact [dot] org) with questions, ideas, or collaboration proposals.

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The urgent need to bring 3ie’s Food Systems and Nutrition evidence and gap map back to life 

A uniquely powerful tool for tracking food systems evidence in low- and middle-income countries and what we need to learn from that has been lying dormant. It is currently 3ie’s largest E&GM, with 3,217 studies covering a range of topics, including agricultural projects, food fortification, and labelling regulations. The map has served as the base for five synthesis products—through collaborations with GIZ, Norad and DEval—and has helped decision-makers focus on areas where evidence is still thin.

But we haven’t been able to update it in over 18 months due to the lack of funding. Without fresh literature, its value is diminishing, as gaps are more likely to be ignored, and analyses become less current. We believe keeping the E&GM “living” is critical for guiding smart policy and resource decisions toward food security and nutrition. If you’re interested in helping bring it back—or using the map in your own work—please write to info [at] 3ieimpact [dot] org. 
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Where evidence meets impact — a shared journey at ESA Africa

ESA Africa 2025 in Nairobi sparked more than just conversation—it ignited a powerful shift toward research led by African scholars, institutions, and communities. In this blog, 3ie and Busara explore this momentum, showcasing how evidence synthesis training and AI tools are being used to accelerate impact for policy actors—especially through examples from West Africa and 3ie’s WACIE initiative, where AI was used to provide rapid synthesis and evidence translation to help policymakers. The blog also illustrates key research presentations at the conference that underscored the structures that shape the Global South and why knowledge systems must be guided by the lived experiences of communities. The authors emphasize that impact is seen on the ground because of everyday conversations that shape outcomes and to enhance impact, policymakers must prioritize thoughtful intervention design that fosters the communities’ understanding and trust.

Read blog | Read about the conference