The Africa–China Centre for Policy & Advisory (ACCPA) and the Canadian Centre for African Affairs & Policy Research (CCAAPR) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 13, 2026, formalizing a five-year framework for collaboration in research, policy dialogue, capacity development, and advisory cooperation.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Africa’s participation in global development and governance processes through evidence-based research and structured institutional engagement. Situated within the evolving dynamics of Africa’s partnerships with China and Canada, the MoU establishes a platform for deeper comparative research, joint publications, researcher exchanges, and the co-organization of high-level policy forums.
Through this partnership, both institutions will collaborate on analytical work examining Africa–China and Africa–Canada cooperation, develop joint policy briefs and working papers, facilitate mentorship and fellowship opportunities for emerging researchers, and support advisory initiatives targeting governments, private sector actors, and development agencies. The framework also enables both parties to jointly pursue grant funding and co-develop knowledge products that contribute to sustainable trade, investment, and governance outcomes.
Commenting on the significance of the agreement, Paul Frimpong, Executive Director of ACCPA, stated:
“From where I sit, Africa’s global engagements must be driven by strategic clarity and grounded in credible research. This MoU represents a deliberate step toward building a structured bridge between Africa and Canada within the broader context of Africa’s evolving partnerships with China. It is about strengthening institutional cooperation so that policy conversations are informed, forward-looking, and centered on Africa’s long-term development priorities.”
He added, “At a time of shifting geopolitical realities, think tanks have a responsibility to provide balanced, evidence-based insights that support constructive dialogue rather than polarization. This partnership positions us to contribute meaningfully to that objective.”
Templar Kalundu Iga, CCAAPR Founder and Director of Policy and Global Strategy, stated:
“This partnership marks an important institutional step in deepening structured inquiry at the intersection of Canada–Africa relations and Africa’s evolving geopolitical posture.”
“We are particularly pleased to be working strategically with ACCPA to address the persistent knowledge gaps in Canada regarding both the breadth of Africa’s policy landscape and the complexities of Sino–African relations as they intersect with Canadian interests. Through analysis, comparative research, and principled dialogue, this collaboration will contribute to a more informed Canadian discourse on the continent.” He added.
The MoU establishes a Joint Steering Committee to oversee implementation and guide strategic priorities over its five-year duration. Both institutions reaffirm their shared vision of strengthening Africa’s voice in global affairs through collaborative research, institutional exchange, and principled policy engagement.