What We Do
Tackling Economic
Disparities in Africa
Through its research and other activities, the CPRA seeks to address economic growth disparities that have translated into inclusive growth for young people in some African countries but not in others, with a more and better equitable distribution of opportunities, higher youth employment and lower unemployment rates. Youth unemployment, often associated with poverty and inequality, is a pressing economic, social and political problem to most African countries.
Our Key Activities
- Research based on four R’s: Relevant, Responsible, Rigorous and Reach using insights from policy theories and/ or critical policy analysis to guide social and economic policy.
- Critical assessment of contemporary policy problems within a wider policymaking context, to replace wishful thinking with more feasible (but equally ambitious) analysis.
- Mobilise multinational corporations operating in Africa to adopt and fully commit to an SDG and invest in creating jobs.
- Link academic researchers with policy development and implementation institutions
- Conduct corporate talks on inclusive growth strategies.
- Youth digital storytelling (multilingual).
- Through publications (scientific as well as popular) engage critically with contemporary themes in policy analysis and design, such as how to encourage ‘entrepreneurial’ policy analysis, foster ‘co-creation’ during policy development, analysis and design.
- Create online training content on innovation, enterprise and impact investment
- Host dialogues with Heads of State to map sustainable solutions to youth unemployment
- Provide career progression opportunities for academic researchers
- Data science and entrepreneurship
- Consulting
Our Research Units
Technology and Entrepreneurship
Economic Prosperity
Trade and Investment
The Environment
Security and Human Rights
Monitoring and Evaluation
Our Funding Sources
How the Model Will Work
1. Remote Convening
The CPRA will rely primarily on ‘remote convening’ groups to conduct both micro and macroeconomic research on the different thematic areas. Our research is transdisciplinary to create policy impact on mitigating youth inequality, poverty and unemployment. The work of these groups will be synthesized in main conventions held from time to time (online or in person) leading to publications of the findings arrived at these conventions.
2. Regional Hub
The CPRA will be a regional hub assisting the private sector, governments and third sector to grow their organisations and create employment opportunities. For purposes of building a robust model of academic research and operational excellence, the Centre will focus its initial work in the Southern Africa region.
3. Recruitment
Professionals (including academics, researchers, practitioners, business leaders) will be recruited from both serving and retired experts globally to ensure that the quality of work is world class. Remuneration of the engaged experts will be determined by the Board of Trustees.
4. Base of Operation
The Secretariat is based in Botswana and will guide the experts in execution of their mandate administratively. All accounting procedures related to finances, audits, taxation will be overseen by the Board or a sub-committee of the Board.