Policy

Practical research on the African continent

The Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa conducts research with direct policy implications for governments, intergovernmental organisations and NGOs. Based on empirical evidence and thorough analysis, its targeted policy campaigns strive to make real impact through clear recommendations.

Our research strives to make real-world impact to governments, NGOs and multilateral organisations through evidenced-based research and with clear recommendations.
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What we do

Each research programme produces clear policy recommendations for targeted audiences. Please see the programmes below.

Centre for Public Authority and International Development

Research at the Centre for Public Authority and International Development (CPAID) has direct implications for governments, intergovernmental organisations, NGOs and courts of law. Based on empirical evidence, its researchers make real-world impact through clear recommendations, expert reports and policy-oriented workshops. View policy briefs and evidence submissions below.

Read impact case studies from CPAID.

African Trade Policy Programme

The African Trade Policy Programme brings together international expertise on African trade policy, trade negotiations and trade policy implementation to better leverage trade as a vehicle for inclusive development. The programme team has extensive experience in working with countries, development partners and international organisations across trade policy research, design, innovation and implementation. At its heart is the desire to make trade policy work better for Africa.

Trajectories of Displacement

The Trajectories of Displacement project is a multi-disciplinary exploration into return and social repair after mass displacement in Northern Uganda. The research produced the following policy recommendations:

Community-based armed groups

Community-Based Armed Groups (CBAGs) are armed groups embedded within communities such as vigilantes, militias and criminal gangs. While these groups have been found to engage in political violence on behalf of their sponsors and to commit crimes for self-motivated reasons, in many contexts, including parts of sub-Saharan Africa, they are also among the main providers of local security. See our policy documents on CBAGs below.

Uganda's Ebola response and preparedness

FLIA researchers have published on Uganda’s response to the 2018 Ebola outbreak at its border with the DRC. Co-written by FLIA Visiting Professor Grace Akello and FLIA Investigator Professor Duncan Green, the brief provides clear recommendations for future epidemic outbreaks.

Based on ethnographic studies over 12 months, the brief reports that the response to Ebola was uncoordinated, chaotic and over-bureaucratic, with little tangible benefit on the ground, supported by international donors who influenced the neglect of vital areas in the Ugandan government’s response.

  • Akello, G. & Green, D. (2020). Preparedness, heightened response and systems strengthening for Ebola in Uganda.
    Read the policy brief here.