Summaries With the introduction of Structural Adjustment Programmes, the objectives of programme aid shifted from relief of foreign exchange constraints to supporting policy reforms. The appraisal criteria for providing programme aid were modified accordingly, but the evaluation criteria did not change. A review of evaluation studies of Dutch programme aid and of Aide Memoires of Joint Evaluation Missions in the framework of the Special Programme of Assistance to African countries undertaking structural adjustment suggests the need for an appropriate multi‐donor forum that addresses both the economic and institutional aspects of the macro‐effectiveness of programme aid.