What we do

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

ACED collaborates with universities and research institutions to generate evidence and solutions.

Policy

Research knowledge products are reformulated into actionable policy recommendations and used to inform practitioners and decision-makers.

Action

ACED goes beyond research and evidence use by collaborating with local communities and other agricultural stakeholders to implement solutions in the field.

We act like a think-and-do tank. Learn more about our approach.

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 emphasizes our unwavering commitment to conducting highly valuable and relevant research that directly addresses the pressing challenges facing Africa.

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.

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.

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

ACED regularly organizes and participates in multi-stakeholder events that promote dialogue, co-creation of knowledge and identification of solutions.

All our events