Where ideas are tested, debated and passed on
Our programmes turn APF's role as a policy laboratory into practice: a lab for testing ideas, a dialogue series for debating them, an expert network for sharing them and a pipeline for the next generation of African policy leaders.
APF Policy Lab
Stress-test your policy idea before it goes public
The Policy Lab is a closed working session where researchers, negotiators and officials present work in progress — a draft strategy, a negotiating position, a research paper — to a small panel of senior scholars and practitioners. Discussions are held under the Chatham House Rule, so participants can speak candidly.
01 · Propose
Submit a two-page summary of the idea or paper and the questions you want tested.
02 · Convene
We assemble three to five reviewers with the right regional and technical expertise.
03 · Critique
A focused 90-minute session, online or in person, with written feedback afterwards.
04 · Publish
With your agreement, the refined work can be published as an APF Policy Brief.
APF Dialogues
Public debate when the big decisions are made
APF Dialogues are public panels and roundtables timed to the moments that shape Africa's future: summits with external partners, African Union meetings, climate negotiations and trade talks. Each Dialogue brings an African perspective to the table before, during or after the decision is made.
- Summit series — Africa's priorities for FOCAC, the Russia–Africa and US–Africa summits and the EU–AU summit
- Negotiation briefings — on the AfCFTA, WTO talks and climate COPs
- Book and report launches — with authors from our network
Experts Programme
Africa's policy expertise, made public
Since 2010, the Experts Programme has brought the knowledge of academics and practitioners on African policy to a wider audience. Members write for APF, speak at our events, host their own expert pages and are referred to journalists seeking informed comment.
Emerging Leaders
Internships and fellowships for the next generation
The APF Internship Programme gives students and recent graduates hands-on experience in policy research, editing, events and communications — working alongside our team and experts on live projects.
What you'll do
- Research and draft briefs on a theme or country
- Help organise APF Dialogues
- Edit and publish content and social media
- Publish a signed commentary of your own
Who should apply
- Students and graduates in politics, economics, law, international relations or related fields
- Strong writers with an interest in African policy
- Fluency in English; French, Portuguese or Arabic welcome
The details
- Duration: [3–6 months]
- Location: remote and [CITY]
- Intakes: [Spring and Autumn]
- Support: [stipend / expenses details]
NEW APF Fellowship
A 12-month fellowship for early-career African researchers. Each fellow produces a policy paper under the mentorship of an APF expert, published as an APF Policy Brief and presented at an APF Dialogue.
- For: African researchers within [five] years of their PhD or master's degree
- Includes: expert mentorship, editorial support, publication and a speaking platform
- Cohort: [number] fellows a year · Applications open [MONTH]
Apply for an internship Apply for the Fellowship Ask a question