Teran: Adaptability of think tanks key to innovation, new funding sources

The landscape of think tanks in Africa is evolving rapidly, with the need for adaptability and innovative approaches becoming paramount to drive impact in policy outcomes. Estafania Teran, the Senior Associate Director of On Think Tanks, recently shared insights at the Think Tank Summit in Cote D’Ivoire, emphasizing the crucial role of finding new sources of funding to support projects. Teran highlighted the challenge of adaptability faced by think tanks worldwide, stressing the importance of being flexible and innovative to navigate changing dynamics effectively. The focus on diversifying funding sources was identified as a key strategy to enhance sustainability and autonomy in conducting research and influencing policy decisions. The discussions at the summit shed light on the critical issues facing think tanks in Africa and the collaborative efforts needed to address these challenges effectively. One significant finding discussed at the summit was the impact of political regimes on the independence of think tanks. While African think tanks expressed confidence in their freedom to conduct and publish research without external influence, polarization emerged as a barrier to reaching diverse audiences and securing alternative funding sources. The reliance on international support for funding was highlighted as a common trend among African think tanks, leading to a project-based approach that could affect the long-term sustainability and impact of their work. Teran underscored the importance of fostering honest conversations with funders to address the challenges associated with project-based funding and promote continuous support for think tanks' core objectives. The evolution of the think tank ecosystem in Africa was a central theme of the summit discussions, with an emphasis on collaboration, partnerships, and knowledge exchange. The sectoral sector report presented at the summit served as a valuable tool to showcase the shared challenges and opportunities across different sub-regions, fostering a sense of community among think tanks. By highlighting the collective experiences and best practices of think tanks globally, the report aimed to inspire innovative approaches and enhance the impact of research and policy advocacy efforts. The outlook for the think tank ecosystem in Africa appears promising, with a growing number of think tanks demonstrating their capacity to influence policy outcomes despite operating in diverse political contexts. As think tanks continue to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of policy research and advocacy, the need for adaptability, sustainable funding models, and cross-sector collaboration becomes increasingly critical. By addressing these key challenges and leveraging the collective expertise of the global think tank community, African think tanks can drive positive change and contribute significantly to the continent's development agenda. The Think Tank Summit in Cote D’Ivoire served as a platform for thought leaders and stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing the impact and sustainability of think tanks in Africa, paving the way for a more robust and dynamic policy research ecosystem in the region.