ANAPRI has achieved another remarkable feat. The organization has been officially selected to be a member of the Coordination Committee for the proposed Southern African Development Community (SADC) Think Tank Network. This recognition is a testament to ANAPRI’s commitment and dedication to fostering collaboration and excellence in knowledge mobilization, research and policy analysis in the continent.
The Coordination Committee, which will be spearheaded by the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), will include esteemed strategic partners such as the Africa Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), United Nations (UN) Agencies, and the SADC Secretariat. Together, they form a core group that will lend support and expertise to the Task Force’s initiatives.
One of the primary mandates of the Committee is to conduct a comprehensive mapping of think tanks in the region. This vital task will provide valuable insights into the existing think tank landscape, shedding light on the number of think tanks in the SADC region, their geographical distribution, and the thematic areas they focus on. This information will undoubtedly prove to be invaluable for both SADC and the network, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.
An equally important aspect of the Committee’s mandate is the development of accreditation guidelines for think tanks seeking to join the SADC think tank network. This critical step will ensure that only institutions meeting the highest standards of research and analysis become part of the network. The Committee has other additional responsibilities and has a deadline of March 2024 to fulfill its mandate.
ANAPRI’s recent selection to be a Member of the Coordination Committee is a momentous achievement that underscores the organization’s success and relevance in the continent. As part of the core group supporting the Task Force, ANAPRI’s contributions will undoubtedly have a transformative impact on think tank collaboration and policy development in the SADC region.
