Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network, has renewed its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) to continue their joint efforts in promoting accountable governance in Africa. The MoU, signed on July 18, 2023, by Afrobarometer CEO Joseph Asunka and ISS Executive Director Fonteh Akum, signifies a milestone in their partnership, superseding the previous version from 2015.
The signing ceremony took place during the Africa Drive for Democracy Conference in Arusha, Tanzania. Both organizations expressed their commitment to advancing inclusive democratic governance for a peaceful and prosperous Africa. The ISS collaborates with various partners to enhance knowledge and skills that support sustainable peace, development, and prosperity across the continent.
The renewed MoU serves as a comprehensive framework for collaboration between Afrobarometer and ISS, facilitating joint efforts to engage with stakeholders. The scope of collaboration covers policy research and analysis, technical assistance to policymakers and civil society, capacity building, and policy dialogue.
Leveraging Afrobarometer’s extensive collection of public attitude data, the two organizations will collaborate on crucial issues such as African futures and innovation, gender equality, governance, peace, and security, climate change and adaptation, globalism, and Africa’s interests. By combining their comparative advantages, Afrobarometer and ISS aim to advance the agenda of accountable and responsive governance in Africa.
Afrobarometer is known for its independent research network that provides valuable data on African citizens’ values, evaluations, and experiences. Under the previous MoU, the ISS utilized Afrobarometer data to conduct analyses on security and election-related issues across the continent. This collaboration resulted in the publication of more than 30 policy briefs and the inclusion of data in various policy events.
The Futures Project, spearheaded by Jakkie Cilliers, heavily relied on Afrobarometer data to conduct extensive governance analysis. The renewal of the MoU between Afrobarometer and ISS ensures that their collaboration will continue to contribute to the understanding and improvement of governance in Africa.
Through this partnership, Afrobarometer and ISS aim to enhance policy decisions, promote accountable governance, and drive positive change in Africa. The commitment of both organizations to inclusivity, democratic principles, and sustainable development will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the continent.
In conclusion, the renewal of the MoU between Afrobarometer and ISS reaffirms their dedication to promoting accountable governance in Africa. By leveraging Afrobarometer’s rich trove of data and utilizing ISS’s expertise, the two organizations will continue to collaborate on vital issues, contributing to Africa’s development and prosperity.
