The African Centre for Development Impact (ACDI) has concluded an intensive, hands-on training on systematic review methods for graduate students and early-career researchers from diverse academic backgrounds. The programme forms part of ACDI’s sustained commitment to building long-term capacity for rigorous evidence synthesis across Africa.
Systematic reviews sit at the core of credible evidence-informed policymaking. By equipping researchers with the skills to synthesise the full body of available evidence, ACDI is strengthening the quality, transparency and reliability of research used to inform policy decisions. Rather than relying on isolated studies, policymakers benefit from comprehensive, systematically appraised evidence that reduces bias and enhances decision confidence.
Held at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, the training guided participants through the full systematic review process. Sessions covered developing focused research questions, drafting review protocols aligned with PROSPERO standards, applying PRISMA 2020 reporting guidelines, conducting structured database searches, and screening studies using Rayyan. Participants also strengthened their reference management skills using Mendeley and Zotero before advancing to data synthesis and meta-analysis using jamovi, alongside risk of bias assessment and interpretation using GRADE.
Throughout the programme, emphasis was placed on practical application. Participants did not simply learn about systematic review methodology; they applied it. By the final day, they were actively developing analytical and reporting competencies required to produce rigorous, policy-relevant evidence syntheses aligned with international standards.
ACDI extends its appreciation to its Executive Director, Charles Amoatey, for his leadership and sustained commitment to strengthening Africa’s evidence ecosystem. We also acknowledge the collaboration with the Department of Medical Microbiology at the University of Ghana Medical School, led by Prof. Eric Sampane-Donkor, alongside Dr. Aaron Awere-Duodu, Mr. Alex Odoom, Mr. Rabbi Nyarkoh, Mr. Wisdom Ahiabor, and Dr. Ebenezer Kondo of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.
As part of ACDI’s broader strategy to strengthen the demand, quality and use of evidence in policymaking, systematic review training will continue as a recurring programme aimed at embedding sustainable evidence capacity where it matters most.
Stronger skills. Stronger synthesis. Stronger foundations for evidence-informed policymaking across Africa.
