Vocational training (electricity) project
Report No: ; Type: Report/Evaluation Memorandum ; Country: Egypt; Region: Middle East And North Africa; Sector: Vocational/Technical Education
                                           & Training; Major Sector: Education; ProjectID: P005055


  December 29, 1995

  Egypt: Electricity Vocational Training Project (Loan 2594-EGT)

  The Egypt Electricity Vocational Training project (Loan 2594-EGT for US$19.3 million) was approved in FY85.
  The
  Implementation Completion Report (ICR) was prepared by the Middle East and North Africa Regional Office. The
  German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the Swedish Commission for Technical Cooperation
  provided cofinancing. The ICR provides a clear and comprehensive account of the implementation of the project
  and follows the structure prescribed in the new guidelines. Comments by the Borrower are included in Annexes 2
  and 3.

  The project aimed to alleviate severe shortages of trained manpower in the electricity sector and to build training
  capability within the Ministry of Electricity and Energy so as to upgrade the skills of its engineers, technicians, and
  skilled craftsmen. The project provided hardware (civil works for ten training institutions, equipment, instructional
  materials) and software (fellowships and technical assistance).

  The project performed well, though it became effective only after a delay of 18 months and required an extension of
  12 months. Its objectives were fulfilled despite delays during implementation. The total output of trainees
  exceeded projections. All facilities were constructed and equipped, the outcomes of studies and technical assistance
  were very positive, and fellowships were fruitfully used. The institutional development that resulted enabled the
  Ministry of Electricity and Energy to prepare an overall staff training and development policy for the sector. Donor
  coordination worked well. Nevertheless, the full impact of the project's quantitative and qualitative benefits was
  difficult to assess at project completion, since some training centers and equipment were commissioned up to three
  years later than expected at appraisal and had barely become operational.

  The ICR rates the outcome of the project as satisfactory, institutional development as not applicable, and
  sustainability as likely. Bank performance is rated as satisfactory. The Operations Evaluation Department agrees
  with most ICR ratings but, interpreting institutional development more broadly than the ICR, rates it as modest, in
  light of the amount of institutional strength the extensive training program is likely to generate.

  Useful lessons of this operation underline the importance of: (a) the increased responsibility of resident missions for
  resolving procurement problems; (b) a flexible project design to cater to the evolving needs of beneficiaries; and (c)
  donor coordination when technical assistance is provided.

  No audit is planned.