Evaluation of IDB Action in the Initiative for Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America (IIRSA)

The Initiative for Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America (IIRSA) was launched to work toward an enlarged South American economic space anchored in principles of sustainable, efficient, equitable development of the region. This report (RE-338) presents the findings of OVE's evaluation of the Bank's IIRSA activity as a lever for furthering South American integration by scaling up and modernizing the continent's transportation, energy, and telecommunications infrastructure grids. This report examines the IIRSA intervention strategy against the backdrop of the South American integration movement and looks at progress made in each of the IIRSA agreed action areas and prospects for the final years of the Initiative's lifespan. Additionally, the report evaluates the Bank's actions and support for IIRSA and the main lessons of experience and discusses major challenges for IIRSA in the current South American integration dynamic.