Application Now Open for Strengthening African Research Centers for Evidence-Based Policymaking

Admin,

Deadline: February 28, 2025

The Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP), with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, is inviting applications from African research centers to participate in an exciting new initiative. This program aims to foster collaboration between research institutions and policymakers, strengthening evidence-informed policymaking (EIP) in East and West Africa. Successful applicants will receive funding and strategic support to enhance their institutional capacity and policy engagement.

Program Overview

PEP’s new programmatic strategy is designed to create a sustainable partnership between research centers (RCs) and government institutions (PCs). By leveraging existing research and data, these collaborations will help address pressing policy challenges across Africa. The initiative will be piloted in six countries across East and West Africa, setting the stage for a long-term framework that integrates research into policymaking.

Funding and Support

Each selected research center will receive a core grant of USD 60,000, supplemented by additional funding opportunities worth up to USD 28,500. These supplementary grants will support activities such as institutional capacity-building, travel, and policy engagement events. This financial assistance aims to ensure that research centers have the necessary resources to drive impactful collaborations with policymakers.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this program, research centers must meet the following requirements:

  • Location: Centers must be based in one of the eligible East or West African countries:
    • West Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo.
    • East Africa: Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
  • Policy Collaboration: Institutions must have a proven track record of working closely with government bodies and policymakers to inform policy decisions.
  • Team Commitment: At least five fixed research staff members must dedicate approximately three days per month to the program over a two-year period (2025-2027).
  • Team Composition:
    • At least one senior researcher (preference for female leads) with strong connections to policymakers.
    • Other team members must be under 40 years old, include at least two women, and have a minimum of three years of policy research experience.
  • Institutional Engagement: Senior staff, including directors or heads of the organization, will be expected to participate in periodic activities related to the program.

Why Apply?

Participating in this initiative presents a unique opportunity for research centers to:

  • Strengthen their institutional capacity for policy research and engagement.
  • Build long-term partnerships with government institutions.
  • Access financial support and technical assistance to enhance their impact.
  • Contribute to policy solutions that address key development challenges in their countries.

This initiative represents a significant step toward fostering sustainable, evidence-based policymaking in Africa. Research centers committed to influencing policy through high-quality research and active government engagement are encouraged to apply.

for more information and how to apply, Click Here

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