REPOA, Sweden in 10 billion / – research pact
The financial contribution is used for the think tank REPOA so that it can fulfill its strategic research goals for the next four years.
Dr Donald Mmari, its CEO, said after signing the grant agreement in Dar es Salaam yesterday that REPOA was grateful for Sweden’s support, as the funding will enable the department to implement its research priorities.
The grant will provide the department with autonomy and resources to conduct strategic research along with related activities to promote evidence-based policy dialogue, along with targeted capacity building for researchers and users of research results, he said.
“Today marks a milestone in our partnership with the Swedish Embassy,” he explained, noting that the partnership has a long history, as you all know since Covid-19 began in March 2020, the work of many organizations has not been easy due to various factors , including measures taken to combat the pandemic, changing policy priorities, health and economic impact on people and societies, and disruptions in the flow of funding needed to implement various projects. But through the lasting support from our partners, we have managed to maintain our business to this moment, ”he claimed.
In the four-year strategic plan, REPOA focuses on governance, accountability and civic engagement, as well as overall issues such as climate change, technology and innovation. “These are essential elements for informing a comprehensive national agenda on socio-economic transformation for inclusive development and commitments to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the Director emphasized.
REPOA was determined to continue to conduct credible research and analytical work, to provide information relevant to evidence-based policy-making, to provide capacity building for various stakeholders, he confirmed.
In his comments, the Swedish ambassador Anders Sjöberg said despite various challenges, “REPOA has remained dedicated in its mission by being innovative, patient and strategic in its commitment and partnership with the government and other actors.”
The changing context of shrinking democratic space globally, challenging economic and climatic conditions has made research and scientific evidence even more critical for effective policy-making and decision-making, he said.
In January 2020, the Swedish government approved a new strategy for Swedish development cooperation with Tanzania for the period 2020-2024 with a focus on human rights, democracy and the rule of law and gender equality.
Other notable priorities are education, including economic development, the environment and climate change, he said.
The Swedish Embassy has assessed REPOA as a relevant partner, not only for the Swedish strategy but first and foremost for national socio-economic priorities, the country’s regional and global commitments included in East African Community Vision 2050, African Development agenda 2063 and 2030 global agenda on sustainable development goals , he explained ..
“REPOA goals and research themes set out in the strategic plan are fully in line with Sweden’s priorities in areas such as private sector development, job creation, climate change, renewable energy and the environment, and governance and democratic development,” the envoy claimed.
As early as March, REPOA was ranked as the best think tank in Tanzania for the sixth year in a row and number 11 among 612 ranked research organizations in sub-Saharan Africa, in the 2019 “Global Go-To Think Tank” Index (GGTI).