Africa Initiative Research Program

The Africa Initiative research program supports field-based research on governance issues critical to the continent in the areas of conflict resolution, energy, food security, health, migration, and climate change. Identified research priorities aim to inform and influence African policy and policy affecting Africa. Research produced under the program is packaged in outputs, including authored research papers, policy briefs and compiled special reports—all available for download on the Africa Portal.

On an occasional basis, the Africa Initiative invites submissions and recommendations for future priorities to be addressed with the research program. Calls for papers and proposals are advertised widely.

For information on the 2012 program guidelines, click here (PDF).

Africa Initiative Research in the News

The Africa Initiative recently announced funding for 15 scholars to pursue innovative, policy-relevant fieldwork in Africa through its Research Grant Program. Read the press release and visit the Grant Recipient Profiles page to learn more about this dynamic group of researchers.

2012 Africa Initiative (AI) Research Grant recipient Shishir Shahnawaz and AI Research Coordinator Andy Best speak to Radio Canada International's The Link about the importance of Shahnawaz's upcoming fieldwork, which will examine the engagement of emerging powers in natural resource governance in Sudan and Ethiopia.

Recent Africa Initiative Publications

How Perks for Delegates Can Influence Peace Process Outcomes
CIGI-Africa Initiative Discussion Paper No.3 (April 2012)
Thomas Kwasi Tieku

Global Warming and Health: The Issue of Malaria in Eastern Africa's Highlands
CIGI-Africa Initiative Discussion Paper No.2 (September 2011)
Moses Tesi 

Stealth Environmental Influences on Economic Migration in Egypt
CIGI-Africa Initiative Discussion Paper No.1 (July 2011)
Tamer Afifi

Africa Initiative Research Grants

The Africa Initiative periodically opens a call for proposals for research grants to fund innovative, policy-relevant fieldwork in Africa. There are currently no open calls. Details of any future research grant opportunities will appear on this page. For information on the 2012 call for proposals, click here. For information on the 2011 call, click here.