AI in Evaluation Practice: Opportunities, Limits and the Role of Human Judgment
Mesa redonda | En línea
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Organizado por:
ClearPath MEL Institute
Sobre el evento
ClearPath MEL Institute will host an online dialogue exploring the practical application of artificial intelligence in monitoring and evaluation, with a focus on both opportunities and limitations within real-world policy and public sector contexts.
The session will examine how AI can enhance evaluation processes such as data analysis, evidence synthesis, and performance monitoring, while also addressing the governance, ethical, and accountability considerations that arise with its use.
Bringing together perspectives from evaluation systems and public policy, the discussion will emphasise the importance of human judgment, institutional integrity, and responsible practice in maintaining trust in evidence.
The session will provide a space for critical reflection and knowledge sharing, supporting participants to better understand how AI can be integrated into evaluation in ways that strengthen learning, decision-making, and system effectiveness.
The session will examine how AI can enhance evaluation processes such as data analysis, evidence synthesis, and performance monitoring, while also addressing the governance, ethical, and accountability considerations that arise with its use.
Bringing together perspectives from evaluation systems and public policy, the discussion will emphasise the importance of human judgment, institutional integrity, and responsible practice in maintaining trust in evidence.
The session will provide a space for critical reflection and knowledge sharing, supporting participants to better understand how AI can be integrated into evaluation in ways that strengthen learning, decision-making, and system effectiveness.
Presentador/a
| Nombre | Título | Biografía |
|---|---|---|
| Steven Masva | Dr | Dr Steven Masvaure is a Senior Researcher at the Centre for Learning on Evaluation and Results, Anglophone (CLEAR AA), based at the University of the Witwatersrand. He holds a PhD in Development Studies. He has over 15 years of expertise in research and evaluation within the international development sector. His career has seen significant involvement across various African countries, with a specific emphasis on improving country-led Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems, particularly in Anglophone Africa. He has led several evaluations for government departments and international multilateral institutions. |
| Mzamani Mdaka | Dr | Dr Mzamani Mdaka is a Senior Manager at the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), where he leads the Integrated District Improvement Programme (IDIP), a national initiative focused on strengthening district functionality and improving learning outcomes across South Africa's education system. He is an experienced education leader and systems improvement specialist with expertise in instructional leadership, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and education systems strengthening. Dr Mdaka holds a PhD in Curriculum Studies (Mathematics) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation. His work focuses on evidence-informed decision-making, accountability, and the design of high-performing systems that translate policy into measurable outcomes. For the Glocal event in 2026, Dr Mdaka brings a particularly valuable perspective because he operates at the intersection of: Monitoring and Evaluation Evidence-based decision-making Large-scale programme implementation Systems strengthening Accountability and performance improvement |
| Ayabulela Dlakavu | Dr | Dr Ayabulela Dlakavu is a Senior Lecturer at the Wits School of Governance. He is the former Programme Manager of Twende Mbele, a multilateral partnership on mutual development of public sector performance monitoring and evaluation systems between the governments of South Africa, Benin, Uganda, Kenya, Niger and Ghana. He is also a former Programme Manager in the National Evaluation Systems unit at CLEAR-Anglophone Africa, and has lectured international political economy and international conflict, peace and security at the University of Johannesburg. He a researcher and analyst of public policy (including monitoring and evaluation thereof); foreign policy; international organisation; global and regional peace and security; political economy; and international development. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science; a Master’s degree in Political Science; a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in International Relations (cum laude); and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (cum laude), all from the University of Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa. He also holds a certificate in Chinese Politics and Diplomacy, BRICS Cooperation and Global Governance from Fudan University in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Ayabulela is also the Managing Editor of the Digital Policy Studies Journal, based at the University of Johannesburg Press. He has also previously worked at the Africa Relations desk of the then Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. He has published multiple journal articles, book chapters, policy briefs and learning notes on areas such as public policy evaluation, South African politics and elections, and nativism and xenophobia. |
Moderador/a
| Nombre | Título | Biografía |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Nkwinika | Director & Co-Founder ClearPath MEL Institute | Michael Nkwinika is a governance and development practitioner with a growing interest in evidence-based learning, institutional development, and the evolving role of AI in evaluation practice. As Co-Founder and Director of ClearPath MEL Institute, he is passionate about creating collaborative spaces that encourage critical dialogue, practical learning, and responsible innovation within the monitoring and evaluation field. Michael will moderate the session, guiding discussions on how AI can strengthen rather than replace - human-centred evaluation and decision-making. |
| Octave Patel | Director and Co-Founder | A results-driven and strategically minded professional, she currently serves as Superintendent of Value Improving Practice at Palabora Mining Company, where she leads strategic initiatives focused on enhancing operational efficiency, cost optimisation, and long-term project value creation. She is currently pursuing a Master of Management in Governance, specialising in Monitoring and Evaluation specialising in Monitoring and Evaluation, alongside a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management, reflecting her deep commitment to continuous professional growth. With strong interests in governance, evidence-based decision-making, and organisational effectiveness, she is widely recognised for her analytical acumen, strategic problem-solving capabilities, and unwavering dedication to continuous improvement. These qualities position her as a valuable contributor to building high-performing, sustainable, and well-governed organisations. In addition to her corporate role, she serves as a Director and Co-Founder of Clearpath MEL Institute NPC, further demonstrating her commitment to advancing monitoring, evaluation, and learning practices beyond the workplace |
Resumen
AI is a tool, not a replacement - its value lies in how thoughtfully it is applied within evaluation systems.
AI can accelerate data analysis, evidence synthesis, performance monitoring, and routine reporting while freeing evaluators for deeper interpretation. Responsible use requires explicit governance, human oversight, and attention to context, culture and equity to avoid bias, opacity, and automation-driven errors. When integrated with evaluator judgment and stakeholder empathy, AI strengthens credibility and usefulness of M&E.
Governance, ethics, and human oversight are non-negotiable in AI-assisted evaluation.
Adopt clear ethical standards, usage policies, and accountability frameworks.
Require human oversight at critical decision points and document AI inputs/limitations.
Run small pilots with transparency checks and bias audits before scale-up.
Invest in evaluator AI literacy and skills for interpretation and stakeholder engagement.
Co-design safeguards with communities to preserve independence and cultural sensitivity.
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