ACBF co-hosted a webinar with the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) at Makerere University. This virtual event, "Future of Think Tanks in Sub-Saharan Africa: Positioning Think-Tanks to Support the African Union Policy Agenda at the G21," marked EPRC's 30th anniversary on 12 March 2024. Think tanks are critical in translating research into actionable policy recommendations for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite recent economic growth, the region grapples with persistent poverty and inequality. Effective policy strategies are needed to drive transformative change, with evidence-based research influencing decision-making.
Rodolphe Bance, Head of ACBF’s Nairobi office, delivered the keynote address: “Celebrating EPRC's 30th Anniversary: The Role and Future of Think Tanks in Africa”, commending the pivotal role of think tanks in policymaking and development across Africa. He underscored the critical importance of think tanks in generating knowledge, offering policy recommendations, and fostering collaboration among academia, government, and civil society. These institutions promote good governance and accountability, thereby contributing to sustainable development. Bance highlighted EPRC’s significant achievements, noting that since its establishment in 1993, the center has profoundly impacted Uganda's policy landscape through its poverty eradication, economic development, and social protection research. Looking ahead, he emphasized that think tanks must embrace technology and data analytics to maintain their relevance. Additionally, he underscored the need for strengthening capacity, fostering collaboration, and conducting policy-oriented research to ensure future impact.
ACBF remains committed to supporting think tanks in Africa. Celebrating highlights the importance of research and innovation in shaping Africa’s future. The platform demanded more substantial policy influence and well-grounded solutions for global challenges like climate change and poverty. Discussions underscored the importance of technology adoption (big data, Artificial Intelligence) for evidence-based research. Collaboration with international partners was emphasized as crucial for addressing global issues.
