African Union, ACBF, and AUDA-NEPAD Launch Call for Proposals to Strengthen Africa's Policy Research Capacity
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 24 July 2025
The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) and AUDA-NEPAD, has launched a competitive Call for Proposals under the Africa Think Tank Platform (ATTP). This transformative initiative elevates African think tanks as architects of cross-border development policy. The World Bank provides strategic funding support for this ground-breaking program.
The Call for Proposals invites consortia of 3 to 5 African think tanks 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. Between three and five consortia will be selected and receive grants of approximately US$10 million for up to two and a half (2.5) years to support programs aligned with the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and regional integration priorities.
Speaking at the hybrid launch event at African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Her Excellency Selma Malika Haddadi, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, highlighted the initiative's broader vision by stating, "This represents a strategic investment in Africa's ability to lead its own policy conversations with rigor, data, and indigenous expertise."
The Call marks the first operational phase of the ATTP, aiming to establish a continent-wide network of authoritative institutions that produce evidence-based knowledge, engage decision-makers, and contribute to unified policy frameworks.
Application Timeline
- Proposal Deadline: 24 September 2025
- Evaluation and Selection: 17 October 2025
- Expected Award Notification: 14 November 2025
- Expected Grant Disbursement: 19 December 2025
Regular webinars and a help desk will support applicants throughout the process. Think tanks interested in applying are encouraged to review the full application package and submission guidelines at https://africathinktankplatform.africa/callforproposal.
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About the Africa Think Tank Platform
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.
The ATTP responds to the need for strong, well-resourced African think tanks that can generate and apply context-specific knowledge to shape regional and continental agendas. As emphasized in the Africa Capacity Report 2017, creating enabling environments for local research institutions is essential to achieving sustainable development across the continent.
For interviews or media inquiries, please contact:
Fatou Diouf
Head of Communications & Influencing
The African Capacity Building Foundation
2 Fairbairn Drive, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
Email: Comms@acbf-pact.org
