Research & Development
Driving evidence-based solutions, shaping policy, and measuring impact to ensure that Africa's development is grounded in rigorous research and data.
Why This Matters
Effective development requires evidence -- yet Africa faces a critical research gap.
Africa produces only about 2% of the world's research output, despite being home to 17% of the global population. This means that policies affecting a billion people are often based on insufficient evidence, outdated data, or research conducted in vastly different contexts.
The disconnect between research and policy is particularly acute. Valuable findings often remain locked in academic journals, never reaching the decision-makers who need them. Meanwhile, development programs are implemented without rigorous evaluation, making it impossible to know what works and what does not.
Closing this gap requires investment in African research capacity, stronger links between researchers and policymakers, and a culture of evidence-based decision-making across all sectors of development.
2%
of global research output from Africa
Low
translation of research into policy decisions
Limited
quality development data available across the continent
Gap
between program implementation and impact evaluation
Our Approach
We produce actionable research, build local capacity, and bridge the gap between evidence and policy.
Applied Research
Our research is designed to be actionable -- addressing real-world development questions with rigorous methodology and producing findings that policymakers can use immediately.
Impact Measurement
We design robust monitoring and evaluation systems that track outcomes, measure impact, and generate learning that improves programs over time.
Knowledge Sharing
We translate research into accessible formats -- policy briefs, dashboards, and convenings -- that bridge the gap between evidence producers and decision-makers.
Programs & Initiatives
From policy research to young researcher mentorship, we strengthen Africa's evidence base.
Evidence-Based Policy Research Unit
Conducting rigorous applied research on development challenges in health, education, agriculture, and governance to inform policy decisions at local and national levels.
Impact Measurement & Evaluation Lab
Designing and implementing monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks that measure the real-world impact of development interventions.
African Development Data Initiative
Building comprehensive open data platforms that make African development data accessible to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners across the continent.
Young Researchers Fellowship Program
Mentoring early-career African researchers through structured fellowships that build research skills, publish findings, and connect them with policy audiences.
Our Impact in Numbers
Building Africa's evidence base for smarter, more effective development.
45+
Research Papers Published
18
Policy Briefs Produced
30
Young Researchers Mentored
6
Government Advisory Partnerships
“When development decisions are guided by evidence rather than assumptions, the results are transformative. Research is not a luxury -- it is the foundation upon which sustainable change is built.”
Hoop Africa Research Team
Evidence-Based Policy Research Unit
Related Resources
Access our research publications, policy briefs, and data platforms.