In a landmark move to strengthen Africa’s policy research landscape and accelerate the goals of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, the African Union Commission (AUC) has launched the Africa Think Tank Platform (ATTP) — a $50 million initiative aimed at empowering African research institutions to shape cross-border development policy.
The initiative, launched in collaboration with the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) and AUDA-NEPAD, is funded by the World Bank and is designed to foster a sustainable, integrated research ecosystem across the continent.
According to a statement signed by Fatou Diouf, Head of Communications and Influencing at ACBF, the ATTP seeks strong consortia applications from think tanks comprising 3–5 members. These groups will conduct policy-relevant research in alignment with the six thematic areas of the African Union.
Each successful consortium will receive up to $10 million in multi-year funding over a 2.5-year period. The goal is to deliver actionable, evidence-based insights that can support continental priorities and enhance regional integration efforts.
“Africa has significant potential but continues to face persistent challenges,” said Samer Al-Samarrai, Lead Economist at the World Bank, during the official launch. “This makes it critical that policies are evidence-based, regionally coordinated, and firmly rooted in the continent’s realities.”
Al-Samarrai emphasized that African think tanks play a central role by producing “homegrown analysis that reflects local contexts and delivers practical, relevant solutions.”
Addressing Africa’s Research Deficit
Despite growing demand for data-informed policymaking, Africa remains underrepresented in global research. WHO data from 2024 indicates the continent contributes less than 1% to global research output — a gap largely due to limited funding, weak infrastructure, and lack of research capacity.
This research deficit, according to Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, has hindered effective policy development, and ATTP is a direct response to this systemic weakness.
“ATTP will support high-quality, policy-driven research that reflects continental priorities while remaining sensitive to national realities,” Haddadi said.
The program also aims to strengthen knowledge systems within AU member states, regional economic communities, and AU institutions by supporting design, monitoring, and evaluation of transformative policy interventions.
A Continental Shift Toward Evidence-Based Policy
In her closing remarks, Faten Aggad, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Cabinet of the Deputy Chairperson, underscored the initiative’s strategic value.
“ATTP is not just another project — it is a structural response to the systemic need for African-owned evidence to anchor policymaking.”
📅 Key Dates for Applicants
• Proposal Deadline: 24 September 2025
• Award Notification: 14 November 2025
• Fund Disbursement: 19 December 2025
Applications are now open. African think tanks seeking to influence policy at national and continental levels are encouraged to apply.
