How we do it
At the core of our mission is the transformative power of knowledge through comparison. Thus, we believe that research should be a tool to drive innovation and propel progress—one that moves society beyond its current challenges and toward sustainable solutions for human development. We strive to deliver research that not only deepens understanding but also inspires meaningful action. To achieve this, we set out to identify crucial knowledge gaps, policy puzzles and dilemmas which hinder the enactment of effective and durable policies across African countries.
Methodology
Our approach is defined by our Comparative Research Methodology Strategy, utilizing systematic cross-sectional comparative research designs to select both similar and non-similar policy cases for analysis. This strategy encompasses large-N comparative statistical analyses alongside small-N in-depth examinations, allowing us to create unified frameworks that merge intensive case study analyses with statistical evaluations. This comprehensive perspective provides valuable insights into the complexities of institutions, policies, and outcomes across various geographical scales. We conduct empirical research, producing focused comparative policy briefs on cross-national comparisons in African countries, sub-national studies, and assessments of regional and continental organizations (such as ECOWAS, EAC, AU, and EU). Additionally, we engage in comparative policy dialogue, organize conferences, brief policymakers, and provide capacity building for emerging comparativists in Africa. By supplying evidence-based analysis and fostering stakeholder participation in policymaking, we aim to enhance balanced dialogue among citizens and advance African development policy and integration.
Ethics
As a think tank, we are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our work, ensuring that our research remains unbiased, transparent, and independent of political influence. We believe that the role of research is to serve as a catalyst for positive change, guiding society toward a more equitable, socially just and prosperous future.
Our research and publications bear the hallmarks of intellectual rigour, grounded on solid data analysis and critically informed perspectives, to provide objective, evidence-informed policy insights that transcend political affiliations and ideologies.
We maintain a position of neutrality and independence as policy brokers anchored on the values of trust, transparency and a culture of professionalism. This way, we ensure that our findings are not only credible but also actionable across diverse sectors of society.
Furthermore, our work is designed to elevate public discourse, inform policy, and hold policy makers accountable to deliver concrete policy outcomes. To achieve this, we compare global best practices with indigenous African approaches and know-how, to ensure that our policy prescriptions are contextually relevant, applicable and responsive to the existing policy problems.
How we do it
Our approach involves conducting comparative empirical research and producing research papers and policy analyses, with a focus on our comparative policy briefs. We do this through cross-national and sub-national comparison across African countries; comparison of various continental bodies such as the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU); and regional organizations including Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), East African Community (EAC), and Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). We also engage in comparative policy dialogue, organize conferences and seminars, brief policymakers, offer technical support to stakeholders, and provide capacity building for future comparativists in Africa. By supporting decision-makers with evidence-based analysis and involving stakeholders and citizens in policy-making dialogues, ICAPA seeks to cultivate balanced dialogue among citizens of various member states, thus advancing African integration.
Partners / Supporters
Some of our funders and partners are:
