Expanding the GEF network through accreditation highlights the challenge of combining transparency and rigor with timely, cost-effective implementation.

The GEF introduced an accreditation process in 2010 to expand its network of Project Agencies while ensuring they met high fiduciary, environmental, and social standards. At the request of the GEF Council, the Independent Evaluation Office assessed the process between 2011 and 2015 to determine whether it was effective, fair, and efficient. Using document reviews, stakeholder interviews, and analysis of application materials and panel assessments, the evaluation examined design, transparency, efficiency, and early results.

Findings show that accreditation has added new expertise and networks, strengthened agency systems, and provided recipient countries with greater options, though it also placed additional demands on the Secretariat.

The process is broadly transparent and credible, supported by an independent Accreditation Panel, but aspects of policy design slowed implementation, some applicants perceived unfairness, and both GEF and applicants faced higher costs than expected. Overall, implementation was slower and more expensive than planned, with limited cost recovery.

The report recommends refining criteria and performance thresholds, adjusting cost recovery rules, enhancing panel–applicant interaction, and calibrating requirements without weakening GEF standards.