September 17–19, 2026 | Semera, Afar Region, Ethiopia
MG Consultancy conducted a Capacity Gap Assessment of the Afar Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) from 17–19 September 2026 in Semera, Afar Region, under its consultancy engagement with Ayuda en Acción’s RAISE Project.
The assignment was designed to look beyond participants’ general awareness of the MSP and examine the institutional and capacity conditions required for an effective, coordinated and sustainable multi-stakeholder platform. The assessment focused particularly on the Executive Board (EB) and Technical Working Groups (TWGs), examining their understanding of coordination, partnership development, resource mobilization, governance, and monitoring, evaluation and learning.
Using a mixed-method assessment approach, MG Consultancy conducted 13 Key Informant Interviews with government, civil society and private-sector representatives, two gender-segregated Focus Group Discussions, and two remote interviews. In total, the assessment engaged 27 participants and incorporated a structured ranking of priority capacity-development areas.
From Capacity Assessment to Institutional Strengthening
The assessment identified important opportunities to strengthen the MSP’s institutional effectiveness. While awareness of the platform varies among stakeholders, the most significant challenge identified was clarity regarding institutional roles and responsibilities and the practical application of the concepts that underpin effective multi-stakeholder collaboration.
The assessment identified five priority areas for capacity development:
- Resource Mobilization
- Partnership Development
- Coordination and Facilitation
- Strategic Leadership and Governance
- MEAL and Knowledge Management
Resource Mobilization emerged as the highest priority, followed by Partnership Development. These findings reinforce the importance of moving beyond project-based fundraising toward strategic, diversified and partnership-driven resource mobilization capable of supporting the MSP’s longer-term sustainability.
Supporting a Stronger and More Sustainable MSP
MG Consultancy’s approach recognizes that sustainable capacity development is not simply about delivering training. It requires strengthening leadership, institutional systems, partnerships, ownership, coordination and practical mechanisms for collective action.
Accordingly, the assessment generated practical recommendations for strengthening the Afar MSP, including institutionalizing the platform within the regional government structure, developing strategic and operational roadmaps supported by a resource mobilization strategy, expanding partnerships with national-level institutions and development actors, managing the transition of the Secretariat, and rationalizing overlapping coordination mechanisms.
These recommendations are intended to contribute to a stronger institutional foundation through which government, civil society, private-sector and other stakeholders can work collectively around skills development, employment and broader regional development priorities.
MG Consultancy’s Approach
The assignment reflects MG Consultancy’s commitment to evidence-based organizational and institutional development. Our work combines assessment, participatory consultation, practical capacity development and strategic recommendations to help organizations and platforms translate identified capacity gaps into sustainable institutional improvements.
For the subsequent capacity-development component, MG Consultancy applies its 20/80 participatory learning approach, emphasizing practical application, peer learning, group discussion, case-based learning, presentations, role play and experience sharing rather than relying predominantly on conventional lecture-based training.
The approach also mainstreams gender equality, disability inclusion, Afar cultural context, conflict sensitivity and professional ethics across the capacity-development process.
Partnership for Sustainable Development
MG Consultancy appreciates the opportunity to work with Ayuda en Acción in supporting the development of the Afar MSP. The engagement demonstrates the value of combining international development experience with locally grounded institutional-development expertise to strengthen platforms that can continue generating value beyond the lifetime of individual projects.
“The objective is not simply to build individual capacity, but to strengthen the institutional conditions, partnerships and collective leadership required for a sustainable Afar Multi-Stakeholder Platform.”
MG Consultancy remains committed to supporting organizations, platforms and development partners to transform capacity development into institutional performance, sustainable partnerships and collective impact.
MG Consultancy
Organizational Development | Leadership & Skills Development | Institutional Capacity Strengthening | Research & Advisory Services