Strategy

How we work


Our strategic framework rests on three interconnected elements — a methodology for driving change, the conditions that make reform possible, and the partnerships that carry it forward.

Strategic elements

Three elements. One integrated approach.

Theory of Change

The Connect · Inform · Activate methodology — a three-stage engagement architecture that turns continental commitments into national-level reform. It is the operational logic behind every programme we design.

  • Connect — Engineering coalitions between continental institutions, governments, and the communities whose lives policy shapes
  • Inform — Producing decision-ready evidence sized for the committee, the minister, and the moment
  • Activate — Converting intelligence into legislative reform, domesticated commitments, and sustained accountability
Read the Theory of Change

Critical Success Factors

Six conditions that must be in place — and actively maintained — for any engagement to cross from influence into institutionalised change. These shape every programme design decision we make.

  • African ownership and institutional leadership
  • Coalition architecture at the right scale
  • Decision-ready evidence, placed at the right moment
  • Institutional access and sustained political trust
  • Domestic resource mobilisation and financing sovereignty
  • Community accountability and subnational anchoring
Explore the six factors

Partners & Donors

The institutional partnerships, bilateral donors, foundations, and technical relationships that make the work possible. Every engagement is grounded in coalition leadership, transparent governance, and decision-ready evidence.

  • Continental institutions — African Union, regional economic communities, and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
  • Donor partners — Gates Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, World Bank, and bilateral governments
  • Three pathways for new partners — catalytic project funding, programmatic partnership, or strategic institutional support
Meet our partners
Strategy in practice

Applied across three pillars.

The same framework, applied with thematic depth across Africa's most consequential policy fronts.

Pillar 01

Gender Equality

Coalitions with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, the GEYSI Toolkit, and the domestication of the Maputo Protocol into binding national legislation.

Explore Gender Equality
Pillar 02

Health Equity

The East African Community Sustainable Health Financing Compact, the Health Financing Exemplars Database, and Abuja Declaration domestication.

Explore Health Equity
Pillar 03

Socio-Economic Justice

The Renaissance Vault of Continental Maps and engagement on debt sustainability, climate finance, and social protection at the G20 and African Union level.

Explore Socio-Economic Justice

Want to understand how we design for impact?

Browse our briefing library or speak with the team about a specific pillar or partnership pathway.