The African Union has unveiled a landmark $50 million initiative to strengthen local research capacity, equipping African think tanks to drive the continent’s development agenda. The Africa Think Tank Platform (ATTP), funded by the World Bank, will support policy research consortia across the continent.
Eligible 3-5 member think tank teams can apply for $10 million grants to conduct research aligned with AU’s Agenda 2063 priorities.
World Bank Lead Economist Samer Al-Samarrai emphasized at Thursday’s launch: “Africa holds significant potential, yet faces persistent challenges… Policies must be evidence-based, regionally coordinated, and grounded in the continent’s realities.”
With Africa contributing less than 1% of global research output (WHO 2024), ATTP addresses critical barriers including funding shortages and infrastructure deficits.
AUC Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi stated: “ATTP will enable high-quality policy research responsive to continental priorities and attuned to national contexts.”
The initiative aims to create an integrated knowledge ecosystem, with applications open until September 24, 2025. As Faten Aggad of the AUC noted: “ATTP is a structural response to elevate African-generated evidence as a cornerstone of policymaking.”
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