Early-Stage Evaluation of the Multiphase Programmatic Approach (Approach Paper)

The multiphase programmatic approach (MPA) is a way of structuring a long, large, or complex engagement—typically over 8–10 years—either as a set of smaller linked operations or phases using investment project financing (IPF) or Program-for-Results under one program or as a multi-country program, sometimes designed to deliver a global or regional public good. Since its introduction in fiscal year 2018, there has been a steady increase in its use. A total of US$18 billion was approved under the World Bank’s COVID-19 response, of which US$10.8 billion has been committed and US$8.5 billion disbursed. A further US$28.8 billion has been approved under other MPA programs, of which US$12.6 billion has been committed. The MPA is also expected to support the World Bank’s response to global challenges. The lending pipeline for the next 18 months includes 46 MPA engagements, of which 23 are expected to support global challenge objectives. Most of these are in Energy and Extractives, Transport, and Water. The objective of this evaluation is to understand whether the use and effectiveness of the MPA have met the expectations of the 2017 Board paper. This is particularly timely given the potential use of MPAs to support the global challenge programs. Its audience is the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors, its Committee on Development Effectiveness, and World Bank Group management and staff working on MPAs. The evaluation has been requested by the Committee on Development Effectiveness (for submission in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025) to inform the Board’s ongoing discussions with management on the MPA.