Supporting African think tanks and in-depth policy advice

Context

Policies grounded in sound scientific knowledge make a tangible contribution to economic, social and green development. By drawing on contributions from the scientific community in the regions concerned, it’s easier to find solutions, including in addressing cross-border challenges, such as regional trade, global economic systems and climate change.

Although Africa has many capable research institutes and think tanks, decision-makers often fail to consult them sufficiently. Yet they have the experts most familiar with local conditions and opportunities. The African scientific and research community can play a pivotal role in ensuring that political decisions affecting African economies are feasible and benefit local communities.

Objective

Cooperation between African think tanks and decision-makers on regional, continental and global challenges is strengthened.

Approach

The project supports cooperation between the scientific community and policymakers:

1. It provides funding to African think tanks and research institutions, enabling them to provide advisory services for cross-border solutions. To this end, the project also supports joint networks that can offer advisory services on a broader front.
2. Together with African think tanks, it works to establish and deepen relationships with decision-makers. For instance, the project collaborates with the Africa Policy Bridge Tank Programme of the African Union Development Agency to forge ties between think tanks and pan-African policymakers.
3. It contributes to the World Bank’s Think Africa Partnership trust fund. The fund supports the dissemination of African knowledge on economic issues, from career development for young economists to scientific advice for African heads of government and international initiatives.

Last update: March 2025