At NIERA, we believe research should be more than reports—it should shape real change. Through our Demand Driven Research Initiative (DDRI), we co-create studies with policymakers and communities to answer the questions that matter most. So far, we’ve supported six projects tackling issues from financial inclusion and agriculture to youth employment and public health across five African countries.

Our Policy Fellowship Program takes this further by equipping government staff and lawmakers with the tools to find, interpret, and use evidence. Fellows work hand-in-hand with NIERA researchers to turn pressing policy needs into practical, evidence-based solutions.  Together, these innovative initiatives ensure that research is not just produced, but actively applied to improve policies, programs, and lives across Africa.