Extended Country Program Evaluation Costa Rica 2015-2022

This document presents the evaluation conducted by the Office of Evaluation and Oversight (OVE) of the Country Program of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDBG) with Costa Rica from 2015 to 2022, spanning two strategic planning periods. This marks the sixth independent evaluation conducted by OVE of the IDB Group's program in Costa Rica. Previous evaluations covered the periods 1990-2001, 2002-2006; 2006-2010, 2011-2014, and 2015-2018. This evaluation examines the Bank's relationship with Costa Rica over an extended period. As outlined in the OVE Country Products Protocol, Extended Country Program Evaluations (XCPE), such as this one, are independent assessments of the last two country strategies and the corresponding Country Program to evaluate their relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability. XCPEs focus on both accountability and learning, aiming to provide assessments to the Board of Executive Directors and the Management of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and IDB Invest of the IDB Group's performance in the country and its Country Program. They also aim to share lessons learned to inform the Bank's future support, particularly in the context of the upcoming Country Strategy. XCPEs make recommendations expected to enhance the subsequent Country Strategy and Country Program. The Country Program evaluation examines the design, implementation, and outcomes of operations approved under the Country Program with Costa Rica between 2015 and 2022, considering the national context and relevant strategic documents. To conduct this evaluation, OVE analyzed country data, studied project documents, and conducted interviews (both virtually and in person) with country authorities, project executing units, the private sector, representatives from other development agencies, and IDB Group staff at the Country Office and Headquarters. Additionally, OVE conducted a mission to the country in June 2023. OVE appreciates the participation and collaboration of these counterparts, which enabled a rich exchange of information and reasonable access to verify the program's outcomes.