An embedded evidence lab to improve the reach of social protection programs in Togo

In 2020, the strict measures implemented to combat the Covid-19 pandemic had significant socio-economic impacts in Togo. The Togolese government quickly introduced the social assistance program “Novissi” in the form of cash transfers, designed to support the most vulnerable populations and stimulate the economy. To decide on the eligibility of applicants, given the absence of a comprehensive and up-to-date social register, a digital platform was set up to cross-reference phone data and information from the electoral registry.

Following the success of “Novissi”, the government collaborated with a research team to precise targeting methods for identifying beneficiaries of social assistance. Based on this study, the government determined that building a comprehensive digital data infrastructure and broadening data usage could improve its delivery of social protection initiatives.

The Agence Nationale d'Identification of Togo (ANID) with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Transformation (MENTD) in partnership with Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) will develop an embedded lab integrated within the ANID to improve the delivery of social services through better targeting of social protection programs and support public policy decision-making.

The embedded lab will aim to equip the Agence Nationale d'Identification of Togo (ANID) in terms of:

• Data research, collection, management and analysis
• Interoperability of platforms of collection and use of dataset - Monitoring and evaluation of programs implemented

The FID funding will allow a first phase of the implementation of this lab by conducting an internal capacity assessment to assess the current state of data and evidence generation and use within ANID and develop a set of data-driven recommendations on how to equip ANID staff to regularly use evidence to improve their policies and programs.It also aims to promote a digital culture across all ministries in the country.

The integrated lab will equip ANID and the Ministry to:

• Build the ANID’s internal capacity to use, collect and manage data
• Strengthen research capabilities, and evidence-based decision-making processes
• Interpret data to improve their social programming
• Bolster monitoring and evaluation systems to measure its programs' impact