Overview
The SwitchMed II programme, implemented from January 2019 to June 2024 by UNIDO, UNEP, and MedWaves, aimed to support the transition to a green, blue, and circular economy in eight Southern Mediterranean countries: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, and Tunisia. Funded by the EU, the programme also received co-financing from the Catalan Waste Agency and the Italian Government. The programme demonstrated high alignment with global and national sustainable development goals, notably contributing to SDGs 8, 9, 12, and 17, and national environmental priorities. However, gaps in project design flexibility and access to financial markets were identified. While the programme’s coherence with national policies was strong, coordination across project components and regional integration remained limited, reducing potential synergies. Administrative and financial challenges, including complex partnership agreements and delays in funding disbursements, hindered project efficiency, though results were delivered cost-effectively by leveraging existing resources. In terms of effectiveness, 76% of outcome indicators were fully met, with substantial progress in resource efficiency, circular economy, and green business development, supporting the creation of 121 new businesses. However, institutional gaps and economic instability posed challenges. The programme also generated positive impacts on policymaking and sustainable business ecosystems, though its transformative impact on job creation and entrepreneurship remained moderate. Sustainability was evidenced through lasting benefits, particularly in policy integration and institutional changes. Key recommendations for future programmes include enhancing stakeholder engagement, regional-national integration, and project governance, along with improving financial management, collaboration, and support for green entrepreneurs. The evaluation emphasized scaling SwitchMed II’s achievements to further promote sustainable economic growth in the region.
