Afrobarometer Programme Equips Young African Leaders with Data-driven Policy Skills

Afrobarometer,  in partnership with the African Leadership for Governance Network, has concluded the 2026 Governance Sector Challenge, an eight-week policy research and innovation programme focused on strengthening governance across Africa.

Held under the theme of building public trust in institutions, the initiative brought together 45 emerging leaders from across the continent to examine the drivers of institutional trust and develop data-driven policy recommendations. The programme emphasized improving leadership accountability, enhancing institutional legitimacy, and reinforcing the relationship between citizens and the state.

Participants from 14 countries—including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana—worked in interdisciplinary teams to build skills in accessing, interpreting, and analysing public-attitude data. Many of the participants engaged with Afrobarometer data for the first time, gaining practical experience in evidence-based policymaking.

The programme featured mentorship from experts within the Afrobarometer network and combined hands-on research, workshops, coaching sessions, and competitive pitching. Participants developed context-specific policy proposals aimed at addressing governance challenges and rebuilding trust in public institutions. Selected policy briefs from the programme are set to be published in the AL for Governance Journal, highlighting youth-led contributions to governance reform.

The initiative forms part of Afrobarometer’s broader efforts to strengthen data literacy and promote the use of empirical evidence in decision-making. By equipping young leaders with analytical tools and policy development skills, the programme aims to expand the pool of practitioners capable of using public-attitude data to support democratic governance and institutional reform across Africa.