Speaker's Profile

Esmie Nhlane is a dynamic Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) expert known for her pioneering work in developing Government-wide Monitoring and Evaluation Management Information Systems (MIS). With over 17 years of working experience in the field, Esmie has played a key role in transforming how the public sector uses data to promote evidence-based decision-making while improving accountability and transparency.

Esmie's interest in using data to inform policy and enhance public service delivery led her to pursue a career in monitoring and evaluation. She has a Master of Arts in Economic Policy Management from the University of Zambia, and shortly after graduation, she spearheaded the development of the result M&E framework for the then-National Development Strategy, the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS III 2017-2022). During her Secondment as M&E Specialist at the National Planning Commission in 2020, she headed the M&E Directorate. She led the Mid-Term Review of the MGDS III, which served as a benchmark for developing the current Malawi Vision 2063.

Esmie managed M&E programmes nationally and internationally throughout her career, collaborating with government agencies, development partners, and civil society organisations. Esmie, in 2022, was appointed as a member of the Evaluation Reference Group for the Malawi-UNICEF Country Programme of Cooperation 2019-2023 because of her devotion to leading data for evidence-based decision-making. Her expertise in building and implementing M&E frameworks that cover the full policy cycle. Driven by a dedication to results, she coordinated the formulation of the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the National Evaluation Plan (NEP). Through her leadership, she managed to secure funding from the UNICEF Malawi office to deploy a consultant to develop ToRs for the NEP, which will guide evaluations for evidence-based, informed policy decisions.

Esme’s leadership coordinated the establishment of government-wide M&E management information systems, which is one of her most significant contributions—recognising the need for a centralised platform to integrate and harmonise M&E data across government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). This public reform area increased data quality and availability, but have also made it easier to develop evidence-based policies, allocate resources, and manage development performance. Furthermore, to guarantee data availability for the functionality of the MIS system, Esme spearheaded the development of a harmonised reporting template for all MDA programmes and projects.

Esme’s impact extends beyond the technical aspects of M&E systems. She is deeply committed to assisting government officials and M&E practitioners in making sound data-driven decisions. She chaired the National Aids Commission Research, M&E Technical Working Group. She led many training workshops, seminars, and knowledge-sharing events, equipping stakeholders with the skills and resources they need to use M&E systems to achieve meaningful change.

Esme's passion for innovation and social impact drives her to continue pushing the frontiers of M&E practice, developing the sector, and achieving concrete gains in governance and development outcomes. Esme coordinated the development of the Malawi National Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Committee, comprising M&E experts from both state and non-state actors, because of her visionary leadership and uncompromising commitment to quality.