BACKGROUND

The Africa Initiative (AI) is a multi-year, donor-supported program, with three components: a research program, an exchange program and an online portal. A joint undertaking by CIGI in cooperation with Makerere University, AI aims to contribute to the deepening of Africa’s capacity and knowledge in five thematic areas — conflict resolution, energy, food security, health and migration, with special attention to the crosscutting issue of climate change.

By incorporating field-based research, online collaboration and strategic partnerships, AI is facilitating a unique approach to knowledge building in Africa. Work on the core areas of the initiative is focused on building capacity and supporting innovative research that informs policy affecting the continent in the identified thematic areas.

ACTIVITIES

Three main components comprise the Africa Initiative:

The research program supports innovative field-based research on critical policy issues of importance to Africa. Research findings aim to inform policymaking and to contribute to the overall African research enterprise.

The exchange program supports short-term academic placements through grants for African and Canadian graduate students undertaking research on Africa. Each year the program offers a select number of students an opportunity to discover and impart new learning and research in a cross-cultural experience.

The Africa Portal is an online knowledge resource for policy-related issues on Africa. It equips users with research and information on Africa’s current policy issues and offers a forum to share insights and publish work on pressing areas of concern to policymakers and the public.