Africa Policy Conversations is a dynamic group of young intellectual professionals from varying fields with the goal of revolutionizing policies that will serve not only Nigerian citizens but also Africans within the continent and in the diaspora. It is a platform designed to help find fitting solutions to problems that affect economic growth and development across Africa. We are on a mission to improve the standard of living through effective policy development one conversation at a time. We aim to educate the masses, industry stakeholders and policymakers for effective policy reform and implementation.
Our goal is to stimulate productive policy conversation that leads to actionable changes across Africa. We do this by mapping out problems affecting African Countries and deconstructing these problems. Recommendations are then made to the Governments of said African countries, providing support and tracking the implementation process of the solutions provided.
The Africa Policy Conversations was founded in 2018.
Our core values include Equal Opportunity, Non-Partisan, Integrity, Excellence, Innovation, Resilience and Results.
The Membership of Africa Policy Conversations cuts across 19 countries which are: Namibia, Somalia, Cameroon, Guinea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, DR Congo, Kenya, Ghana, Canada, Guinea, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Uganda, South Africa, Finland, Rwanda, and Congo. We have a network of over three hundred (300) community members across these countries and three (3) continents.Â
Our programs are held every month and they range from town halls, roundtable discussions, Twitter spaces and webinars.
Yes we do. We are currently working on launching our resource centre called THE NODE.Â
Africa Policy Conversations offers numerous partnership opportunities for academic institutions, fostering collaborative efforts in policy research and discussion. Our partnerships encompass joint research projects, expert exchanges, and student engagement initiatives, allowing for the co-creation of knowledge and the nurturing of future policy leaders. We welcome academic institutions to co-host events, collaborating on conferences, workshops, and symposiums that bring together diverse voices in policies that will impact the continent. Our partnerships extend to curriculum development, where we work together to create relevant courses and case studies, enriching academic programs with real-world policy insights. Resource sharing is a key component of our collaborations, facilitating mutual access to research materials and publications. Our partnerships also emphasize community outreach, working together to increase public awareness and participation in policy discussions. To explore these partnership possibilities, academic institutions are encouraged to contact our partnerships team at [email protected].
AFPC is simply the first of its kind. There is no other continental/national platform or initiative doing what we are doing. AFPC does not stop at having discussions or talking about the problems, it actively works to see the proposed changes manifest. It seeks to re-orientate African Leaders/people leading to a mindset shift by solving deep-rooted challenges/problems in Africa such as; corruption, ineptitude etc.
At present, Africa Policy Conversations does not offer grants or direct funding for policy research. However, we recognize the importance of financial support in advancing policy studies and fostering innovative research in African contexts. While we don’t currently have a grant program, this is an area we are actively exploring for the near future.
Our target audience is mostly young innovative and passionate individuals who desire change, Government policymakers, civil society organizations, etc. Also, every individual has the capacity to implement change in their own way which at the end of the day impacts the continent.Â
Addressing cross-border and pan-African policy issues is a core focus of Africa Policy Conversations, given the interconnected nature of the continent’s challenges and opportunities. Our approach is inherently collaborative and transnational. We regularly organize regional and continental forums that bring together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from multiple African countries to discuss shared challenges. Our research initiatives prioritize comparative studies and best practice sharing across national boundaries. We maintain strong partnerships with cross-border civil society networks to ensure our discussions are aligned with continental agendas. Our policy recommendations emphasize harmonization of national policies where appropriate and advocate for strengthened regional cooperation mechanisms. Our publications and policy briefs consistently adopt a pan-African lens, analyzing how local issues connect to broader continental trends and how successful policies in one country might be adapted elsewhere.
Africa Policy Conversations recognizes the critical importance of youth voices in shaping the continent’s future. We implement a multi-faceted approach to ensure youth representation and engagement. Our events and forums consistently include dedicated slots for young speakers and panellists, providing a platform for emerging leaders to share their insights. We also maintain partnerships with youth-led organizations and student groups across Africa, facilitating their participation in our policy dialogues. Our digital engagement strategies, including social media campaigns and online forums, are designed to reach and involve younger demographics. Through internships and mentorship opportunities, we nurture the next generation of policy thinkers.Â
Kindly follow us on our social media by clicking on the icons at the end of this page or by searching: Instagram: Africa Policy Conversations, Twitter: @LetsTalkPolicy_, LinkedIn: Africa Policy Conversations
We utilize both in-person and digital platforms to make our discussions accessible to participants from various geographical locations and those with different abilities.
Yes, our events are open to the public as we believe that every individual has the capacity to implement change in their own way.Â
Africa Policy Conversations maintains robust collaborations with various African governments and institutions, recognizing that these partnerships are crucial for effective policy development and implementation. Our engagement spans multiple levels of governance, from national ministries to local government bodies. We regularly conduct policy consultations with government agencies, providing expert analysis and recommendations on pressing issues. Our collaborative efforts often take the form of joint research projects, where we work alongside government think tanks and research institutions to produce comprehensive policy studies. We also facilitate capacity-building workshops for government officials, enhancing their skills in policy analysis and formulation. Our organization serves on several government advisory committees, contributing to national development strategies and sector-specific policies.
Please send an email to us at [email protected]
Africa Policy Conversations influences policymaking through a strategic, multi-pronged approach that leverages our research, networks, and platforms. At the core of our influence is our commitment to producing high-quality, evidence-based policy research and analysis. These insights are disseminated through our widely-read publications, policy briefs, and reports, which often land on the desks of key decision-makers across the continent. We actively engage with policymakers through direct consultations, providing expert testimony to legislative committees, and organizing closed-door briefings with government officials. Our public forums and conferences serve as important spaces for policy dialogue, often setting the agenda for national and regional policy discussions. Our extensive network of members, many of whom occupy influential positions in government, civil society, and the private sector, serves as a channel for ongoing policy influence. We also engage in strategic partnerships with other think tanks, academic institutions, and international organizations, amplifying our reach and impact. Importantly, we maintain a rigorous monitoring and evaluation system to track the uptake of our recommendations, allowing us to refine our strategies for maximum policy impact.
Yes, we offer internship and volunteer opportunities. Currently, we have over 300 volunteers across 19 countries and we have provided internship opportunities to over 50 individuals.Â
Yes, membership opportunities are open to change agents across various demographics including the youths, women, thought leaders, civil society, influencers, non-state actors, etc.
Our programs actively involve stakeholders from various demographics across Africa. This includes policymakers, academics, civil society leaders, business representatives, and community members from different regions, age groups, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We employ accurate and strategic publicity methods to reach a wide range of potential participants. Our outreach efforts are designed to draw interest from diverse stakeholders, ensuring that our discussions benefit from a variety of perspectives and experiences. Where possible, we offer translations or interpretations to overcome language barriers and encourage participation from non-English speaking stakeholders.
Africa Policy Conversations actively encourages and values the engagement of diaspora communities, recognizing their unique perspectives and potential contributions to policy discussions in Africa. Diaspora members can engage with our organization through multiple channels, each designed to leverage their expertise and passion for African development. We welcome diaspora participation in our policy forums, both as attendees and speakers, where they can share insights gained from their international experiences. Our online platforms offer opportunities for remote engagement, allowing diaspora communities worldwide to contribute to discussions, regardless of their geographic location. We also invite diaspora professionals to contribute articles, policy briefs, or research papers to our publications, bringing their global perspectives to pressing African issues. For those interested in more active involvement, we offer volunteer and advisory roles, where diaspora members can help shape our programs and outreach efforts. Additionally, we collaborate with diaspora-led organizations on joint initiatives, fostering a broader network of policy influence. Diaspora communities can also support our work through financial contributions or by connecting us with relevant stakeholders in their host countries. We encourage diaspora members to join our mailing list, follow our social media channels, and reach out directly to explore how their unique skills and perspectives can contribute to shaping effective policies for Africa’s future.
Africa Policy Conversations is committed to nurturing the next generation of policy leaders through comprehensive training programs. Our flagship initiative is the African Policy Leadership Academy, an intensive program designed for early to mid-career professionals. This program combines theoretical learning with practical policy analysis skills, featuring modules on policy formulation, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based decision-making. We also offer shorter, specialized workshops on topics such as data analysis for policymaking, policy communication, and legislative drafting. Our mentorship scheme pairs emerging leaders with experienced policy practitioners, providing personalized guidance and networking opportunities. For those unable to attend in-person training, we have developed a series of online courses and webinars, making our resources accessible to a wider audience.Â
Follow us on social media to stay updated on our work, events, and future career opportunities.