Our approach
Since its establishment, the African Centre for Equitable Development (ACED) has been a pioneering force manifesting as a hybrid “think-and-do” tank that merges high-quality research with direct, on-the-ground action. Our integrated approach to research, policy, and local action, framed within the understanding of local contexts and bolstered by strong relationships with various stakeholders, has shaped us into a robust organization committed to locally-led development and sustainability.
Mission
To transform policy and practice through evidence generation and translation, partnerships, engagement and action.
Evidence
Policy
Action
ACED’s value proposition
ACED’s unique value proposition in the evidence-to-policy ecosystem derives from its integrated approach to research, policy, and local action

Our Approach
Evidence
We delve into rigorous research and data analysis to unearth factual insights that serve as the bedrock for informed decision-making.
Policy
By engaging with policymakers, we strive to shape robust policies that are reflective of empirical evidence and are tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the African context.
Action
Translating evidence and policy insights into tangible on-the-ground initiatives, we drive meaningful change that resonates with the lives of individuals and communities across Africa.
Key Areas of Work
At ACED, we channel our efforts through four pivotal areas crucial for fostering a prosperous future in Africa. Our focus on Food Systems, Nature Economy, Digital Economy, and Human Development reflects a blend of evidence-based insights and practical action, aimed at driving equitable development across the continent.
• Food Systems
Fostering resilient and sustainable food systems to ensure food security, improve nutrition, and promote equitable growth in Africa.
• Nature Economy
Harnessing the wealth of natural resources in a sustainable manner to drive economic growth while preserving the continent's biodiversity.
• Digital Economy
Leveraging digital technologies to foster innovation, enhance productivity, and bridge the digital divide for inclusive economic growth.
• Human Development
Empowering individuals and communities through education, employment, health, social protection, etc. to achieve a better quality of life and unlock the full potential of Africa's human capital.
Strategic Pillars
To guide our work and ensure a focused and impactful strategy, we focus on the following pillars:
Strategic Pillar 1
Undertaking highly useful and relevant research to address the most pressing challenges of the region and the world.
Strategic Pillar 1 emphasizes our unwavering commitment to conducting highly valuable and relevant research that directly addresses the pressing challenges facing Africa.
Strategic Pillar 2
Collaborating with local actors to find and deliver solutions to the challenges they face.
By actively engaging with local actors, we aim to co-create and implement solutions that are contextually relevant and responsive to the unique challenges faced by communities across the continent.
Strategic Pillar 3
Putting evidence at the service of society and nature.
At ACED, our third strategic pillar revolves around harnessing scientific evidence to drive positive change in society and nature. We prioritize translating research findings into tangible policies, programs, and interventions that address the challenges faced by our communities and environment.
Strategic Pillar 4
Building an effective and sustainable organization.
At ACED, we recognize the importance of building an organization that can effectively drive our mission forward while ensuring long-term sustainability. Strategic Pillar 4 focuses on enhancing our organizational capacity, resilience, and operational effectiveness.
ACED works on some of the most important development challenges in Africa. Our activities cover the following themes.
Our events
- NWO-WOTRO and Food & Business Knowledge platform
- From 9 December 2020
- to 10 December 2020
- Food and Nutrition Security, Urban Food Systems





