The African Union has launched a new round of funding under its Africa Think Tank Platform (ATTP) , inviting consortia of African research institutions to compete for multi-year grants worth up to 10 million US dollars each. The initiative aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and reinforce institutional capacity across the continent.

The call for proposals targets 3 to 5 African Think Tank firms to pursue multi-year funding for collaborative, policy-relevant research across six Thematic areas, including Economic Transformation and Governance, Climate Change, Regional Trade, Food Security, Human Capital Development, and Digitalization. In support of the program, which aligns with Agenda 2063 and regional integration priorities, three or five consortia will be selected and receive grants of up to USD 10 million for a period of two and a half years.

Speaking at the hybrid launch of the ATTP, Her Excellency Selma Malika Haddadi, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, emphasized that this platform is not a stand-alone initiative.

“It is a key enabler in the implementation of the Second Ten-Year Plan of Agenda 2063. It aligns with the African Union Commission’s broader efforts to institutionalize a culture of performance, results, and accountability through integrated planning, monitoring, and evaluation.” Said H.E. Haddadi

The African Union Agenda 2063 is aiming for the continent's socio-economic transformation over 50 years, from 2013 to 2063. It envisions an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, with a focus on inclusive growth, sustainable development, and global influence. The Agenda 2063 is built on seven aspirations and includes a series of goals, priority areas, and targets to guide development efforts.

“The realization of Agenda 2063 demands more than aspiration. It requires evidence-informed implementation. As such, initiatives like the ATTP serve to reinforce critical instruments such as the Continental Results Framework (CRF), the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024), and the AU Data Policy Framework. Each of these frameworks depends on systematic generation, dissemination, and application of knowledge to drive coherent action across national, regional, and continental levels.” Stressed H.E. Haddadi.

For his part, Mr. Samer Al-Samarrai, the Lead Economist at the World Bank’s Education Global Practice, said that the World Bank is excited to partner with the African Union on the ATTP.

“The World Bank is pleased to partner with the African Union on the Africa Think Tank Platform Project, supported by a US$50 million IDA grant.”

“This initiative will help to build the institutional capacity of African think tanks, improve the quality and relevance of policy research, and foster stronger links between research and policymaking. It aligns closely with the Bank’s Africa strategy, which focuses on advancing regional integration, developing human capital, and enhancing resilience to climate and economic shocks.” Said Mr. Samarrai

In her closing remarks, Ms. Faten Aggad, the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Cabinet of the Deputy Chairperson, expressed her gratitude to the World Bank.

“On behalf of the African Union Commission, I want to express deep gratitude to the World Bank for its strategic partnership and for the confidence it has placed in Africa’s knowledge ecosystem through this US$50 million investment. This is not just a financial gesture but a catalytic contribution to our institutional and knowledge ecosystem sovereignty.”

The Africa Think Tank Platform (ATTP) is a five-year, US$50 million initiative implemented by the African Union Commission (AUC) and supported by the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) and AUDA-NEPAD, with funding from the World Bank. The ATTP aims to strengthen Africa’s policy research ecosystem and advance evidence-based policymaking on cross-border development priorities.

For Further Information contact:

1. Dr. Themba Gilbert Chirwa, Coordinator ATTP- chirwat@africanunion.org
2. Noel John Kenyi, Communication Officer at ICD- Kenyin@africanunion.org

For further information, please contact:

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africanunion.org  
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