The African Think Tank Platform (ATTP) aims to establish a sustainable platform to strengthen Africa’s capacity for effective policy research and evidence-based policymaking on cross-boundary priorities.
Funded by the World Bank and implemented by the African Union Commission, the platform seeks to support and connect African think tanks working on critical continental issues, including economic transformation, climate change, trade integration, food security, human capital development, and digitalization, with a strong emphasis on gender and regional collaboration.
We are inviting applications from consortia of African think tanks to apply for funding under the ATTP. Selected consortia will contribute to the platform’s core mission by producing high-quality research, engaging in policy dialogue, and strengthening institutional capacity to inform continental policymaking.
Eligible applicants must be registered African think tanks engaged in public policy research. Applications must be submitted as part of a consortium of think tanks. Each consortium must:
Applications will be reviewed in a two-stage process. First, proposals will be screened for eligibility. Second, eligible proposals will be evaluated by an Independent Expert Committee based on:
Proposals must be submitted by September 24, 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.Interested consortia should follow the instructions on the ‘How to Apply’ section below to submit their application.
This page provides step-by-step guidance for think tank consortia interested in applying for funding through the Africa Think Tank Platform Project (ATTP). Please read the eligibility criteria carefully and follow the instructions for registration and application submission.
To be eligible for funding, consortia must meet the following requirements:
Consortium Structure: Applications must be submitted by a consortium of 3 to 5 African think tanks, with one designated as the lead applicant.
Strategic Alignment: Proposed activities must directly contribute to the ATTP's objectives of generating high-quality research, supporting regional policy development, promoting institutional capacity building, and increasing the representation of women in policy research.
Each registered consortium must submit a complete application package comprising the documents listed below. All documents must be submitted in PDF format via the secure .
Required Documents:A. Application Form
The official form, which includes detailed instructions on how to complete the form, captures consortium
information, research topics, proposed activities, capacity-building plans, and gender strategies.
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Click to Download
B. Work Plan and Budget
A detailed activity timeline (Gantt chart) and financial plan using the standard template. Annual allocations must not exceed 30% of each think tank’s operating budget. 🔗 Click to Download
C. Past Research and Engagement Experience
Use the template provided to summarize key past research or policy engagement activities relevant to ATTP themes. 🔗 Click to Download
D. Audited Financial Reports
The most recent audited accounts for each consortium member to demonstrate financial accountability and grant-readiness.
E. CVs of Key Personnel
o Consortium Coordinator o Deputy Coordinator o Two lead researchers per think tank Use the standard CV format. 🔗 Click to Download
F. Consortium Commitment Letter
Signed by all participating think tanks, confirming shared ownership of the proposal, willingness to collaborate, and commitment to project implementation. Applicants will receive an automatic email confirming successful submission. 🔗 Click to Download
Before submitting an application, all consortia must register online. Registration is required to:
All application documents must be submitted no later than:
Contact the Secretariat: attpinfo@africanunion.org