Our Work
We conduct policy-oriented research and capacity strengthening for African policy actors and implementers to facilitate evidence-based policy processes. We strive to use evidence-based policy analysis to contribute to evidence-based policy decisions and interventions. Our analytical and capacity strengthening work is delivered through three main approaches:
Our Approaches
Demand-driven approach to identify and respond to policy challenges through policy analysis
We conduct policy research and analysis on particular development interventions requested by institutions and organizations for informed development interventions. We do this by engaging policy makers and other development actors on a continuous basis in order to identify and prioritize the development issues that need evidence. Our policy options or solutions are informed by consultative and empirical evidence.
Facilitating cross-country learning through benchmarking studies
Despite some differences in policy and institutional environments, African countries share a certain set of common policy process and development challenges. This makes it necessary to facilitate knowledge sharing across countries in order to harness best practices in one African country that can be applied in other African countries with similar socio-economic and political contexts. To do this, we pick development success stories, study them and benchmark policy alternatives and their outcomes, and recommend approaches to adapt best practices to other individual African countries. Example: community-based health insurance in Rwanda and Ethiopia. We organize benchmarking and knowledge sharing conferences and workshops were all stakeholders meet and share best-practices.
Our Offerings
1. POLICY RESEARCH & ANALYSIS
We generate actionable insights that
inform public policy and development
programming, with a focus on policy
relevance and real-world impact.
2. CAPACITY STRENGTHENING
We offer specialised training in:
• Policy design and implementation
• Research methods and data analysis
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Strategic planning and grant writing
• Policy communication and impact evaluation
3. CDP IMPACT FELLOWSHIP
A one-year launchpad programme
for emerging African policy experts,
designed to nurture applied research,
mentorship, and policy engagement.
4. POLICY HUB
A platform for evidence-based policy
dialogue, dissemination, and
collaboration—connecting researchers,
policymakers, and practitioners.
5. CONSULTING (VIA CDP CONSULT LTD)
We offer business advisory services,
institutional assessments, evaluations
and strategy development using CDP’s
network of experts and partners.
- Policy research and analysis
- Promotion of evidence-based policy-making and implementation
- Policy / Program impact evaluation
- Evidence for decision-making
(generation, appraisal, dissemination and utilization)
- Focus areas:
Financial sector development (financial inclusion, digital financial services and financial literacy), gender, social protection programs, labor market interventions, migration & development (Brain Gain), Organizational (and capacity needs) Assessment & development, trade & regional integration, climate change
- Policy and program evaluation;
- Policy and strategy formulation;
- Data analysis for evidence-informed decisions;
- Organizational assessment & development of organizational CD plans; (generation, appraisal, dissemination and utilization)
- Feasibility studies
- Business plan
- Trainings (short courses):
* Research methods and data analysis;
* Evidence-based policy formulation and implementation
* Policy / program impact evaluation
* Trainings to strengthen the capacity of local consultants
* Dissemination of research and policy analysis findings through policy briefs, policy papers, position papers, blog posts, etc.
* Proposal writing.
Technical support/assistance to the public, private and non-profit organizations - Graduate research fellowship program.
- Actionable policy research/analysis collaboration
- Strengthening the capacity of policymakers and their institutions.
- Knowledge exchange & skills transfer (mentoring)
- Sabbaticals, policy research, short-term training and mentoring
- Collaboration with local and international public, private and academic institutions