The Independent Evaluation Department (IED) independently and systematically evaluates ADB policies, strategies, operations, and special concerns that relate to organizational and operational effectiveness. By doing so, it contributes to achieving development effectiveness of ADB operations by providing evaluation feedback on performance, and generating and disseminating evaluation lessons.

There are two levels of evaluation in ADB:

The Independent Evaluation is based on a Board-approved policy and consists of assessment of operations, programs, activities and strategies through systematic and rigorous analysis of their outputs, outcomes and impact against expected results and the overall mandate of the Bank.

Independent Development Evaluation (IDEV) is an independent function tasked with enhancing the development effectiveness of the African Development Bank in its Regional Member Countries. By conducting independent evaluations and proactively sharing best practices, IDEV ensures that the Bank and its stakeholders learn from past experience and plan and deliver development activities to the highest possible standards.