Africa Institute for Policy Research established
Think tank aims to drive key economic transformation
Africa Institute for Policy Research, the first independent think tank in Botswana, was recently established with the mandate to drive economic transformation.
This will be done through the effective compilation of research to be used for the implementation of policies and social programmes.
Founder and director of the African Institute of Policy Research, Yorokee Kapimbua, told Botswana Guardian that he established the research institute to generate research that is relevant to modern society, and that can help different sectors create robust and impactful policies in areas of business, law, and politics.
They are already partnering with institutions in Europe and UK particularly on the environment, which is a topical issue worldwide. He said that advisory councils are important to drive economic growth but there is no research or specialised expertise skills in this regard.
“For example, how come we do not have a SADC Business Council? It would
help to drive inter- regional business and trade premised on research findings that are sustainable and tangible,” he said.
KM said they want to make it easier to facilitate a long- term model by working with universities and other institutions in the private sector to ensure that there is improved knowledge and the right skills particularly technology- wise as the world transitions to a 4IR industry.
Kapimbua also said that they especially want to work with the private sector as the biggest role player in economic development. Their research is focused on developing a resilient approach around the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) and also developing a robust understanding of modern innovations to help formulate effective strategies that will contribute to creating scalable economic industries that would contribute to the bolstering and growth of modern industries.
Kapimbua holds two masters in Social Work and Public Policy. He has a career spanning over 18 years in High- Level Policy Planning and Strategic Choice
in Southern Africa, the USA, and the UK.
“I define the strategy and optimise performance through game- changing leadership to achieve sustainable and extraordinary outcomes in challenging, continuously evolving commercial, NGOs, Government, and UN environments.
Kapimbua describes himself as a passionate cultural political economist with expertise in working with donors, politicians, member states, research institutions, leadership, and stakeholders to build consensus and influence policy- making.
His remit includes highlevel innovation in research and enterprise development to create an impact on mitigating youth poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
Kapimbua was awarded the prestigious British Chevening Scholarship ( 2018/ 19) for young professionals with outstanding academic and leadership impact on governance, development, and global influence, which he said helped him to gain handson insight, knowledge, and training.