Independent · Pan-African · Evidence-led
Africa's policy choices, argued from Africa.
The Africa Policy Forum is an independent think tank and convening platform where African scholars, practitioners and policymakers test ideas, publish analysis and help shape the decisions that will define the continent's next decade.
Featured Analysis · Africa & the World
The Russia–Africa Summit: a development partnership or an alliance?
What Africa stands to gain — and risk — as Moscow courts the continent amid its war with Ukraine.
Eric Acha · 31 July 2023 · 9 min read
The questions behind our work
Four questions Africa must answer for itself
01
What kind of partners does Africa need?
China, Russia, the United States, Europe and the Gulf all want a seat at Africa's table. We examine which partnerships serve African priorities — and on whose terms.
02
How can African institutions deliver?
Strong regional bodies, credible elections and clean public finances are the foundations of development. We study what makes reform stick.
03
How does Africa trade with — and build for — itself?
From the AfCFTA to industrial policy, we look at how the continent moves from exporting raw materials to making and trading its own goods.
04
Who pays for Africa's climate transition?
Africa emits least yet is pressed hardest to decarbonise. We ask how climate commitments can be fair, financed and compatible with growth.
Latest analysis
From the Forum
Economy & Global Finance
A new international financial system? Ten things Africa should do now
The housekeeping African governments need to complete to benefit from any reform of the global financial architecture.
June 20, 2023
Climate & Energy
The cost of saving the climate, paid by Africa
Why the world's smallest emitters face the heaviest pressure to adopt low-carbon development — and what a fair deal looks like.
October 12, 2021
Africa & the World
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: a profile
Economist, former finance minister and global development leader with more than three decades in international finance.
July 30, 2021
Africa & the World
The US-Africa Summit: a response to China, or a new chapter?
An early assessment of Washington's re-engagement with Africa, AGOA's limits and the case for investment over military aid.
July 28, 2014
Research themes
Explore by topic
Eight research themes, each cross-referenced by region and country, so you can find our work on the issue — or the place — that matters to you.
Governance & Democracy
Institutional reform, anti-corruption, elections
Peace & Security
Conflict, terrorism, the Sahel, international justice
Economy, Trade & Integration
AfCFTA, EPAs and the WTO, debt and global finance
Industrial Policy & Infrastructure
Value addition, manufacturing, infrastructure finance
Climate, Energy & Environment
Climate finance, energy access, natural resources
Public Health Policy
Health financing, preparedness, local manufacturing
Digital & ICT Policy
Connectivity, data governance, digital trade
Africa & the World
China, Russia, the US, Europe and new partners
Flagship publication
The Africa Policy Review
Long-form, peer-reviewed policy analysis by African scholars and practitioners. Each issue takes one pressing question — a summit, a negotiation, a reform — and sets out the evidence and the options for decision-makers.
Region & country focus
Where we work
Country briefs and regional analysis on the places where policy choices carry the highest stakes.
Leaders in focus
Voices shaping the debate
“We have to get away from this mindset of dependency.”
Nana Akufo-Addo, on a Ghana — and an Africa — beyond aid
Africa's leaders must own the failure to resolve the continent's conflicts — and stop waiting to be convened abroad.
Paul Kagame's challenge at the African Development Bank Annual Meetings, Kigali
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Dr Kandeh Yumkella feature in our Leader Profiles series on African leadership in global institutions.
Events
APF Dialogues
Roundtables and public panels timed to the summits and negotiations that matter for Africa.
Experts Network
Join our experts
Academics and practitioners on African policy contribute analysis, speak at our events and host their own expert pages.
Programmes
Emerging leaders
Internships and fellowships for students and young professionals building careers in African policy.