The African Centre for Development Impact (ACDI) is an independent Pan-African research and impact institution dedicated to advancing the use of credible evidence to shape effective and inclusive policies for Africa’s sustainable development.
Emerging from the success and lessons of the Development Impact West Africa (DIWA) initiative, ACDI represents the next phase in a growing movement to deepen evidence-informed policymaking across the continent. What began in 2019 as a regional effort to strengthen evidence use in West Africa has evolved into a continental platform promoting data-driven governance and accountability.
ACDI envisions an Africa where decisions are grounded in credible research, where governments and institutions act on what works, and where public policy leads to measurable, lasting impact. Through strategic partnerships, capacity building, and technical support, ACDI builds on DIWA’s legacy by empowering African countries to design and implement policies that drive transformation and improve lives.
ACDI exists to strengthen and promote rigorous and transparent evidence-informed policymaking across Africa by harnessing the expertise of academics, researchers, and evaluators.
An Africa where public decisions are consistently guided by trusted, locally generated evidence for equitable and sustainable development.
The principles that guide our partnerships, practice, and institutional conduct.
The African Centre for Development Impact (ACDI) emerged to consolidate and expand the achievements of the Development Impact West Africa (DIWA) initiative.
From pioneering impact evaluations and policy dialogues in the sub-region to shaping national conversations on evidence-based decision-making, DIWA demonstrated that credible research can transform governance and development practice.
Building on this foundation, ACDI now serves as a continental hub for research, learning, and policy impact, connecting African institutions, governments, and global partners committed to the same goal: turning evidence into action.
We design, commission, and manage high-quality impact evaluations and evidence syntheses that address pressing policy questions in key development sectors.
We strengthen the capabilities of African researchers, policymakers, and institutions through training, mentorship, and knowledge exchange, promoting a culture of evidence-based decision-making.
We provide technical advice and strategic policy engagement to help governments and development partners institutionalise evidence use and accountability mechanisms.
We strengthen Africa’s capacity to produce high-quality, policy-relevant evidence by supporting locally led research, impact evaluation, and institutional research systems.
We translate complex research into timely, usable policy products and structured dialogue that decision-makers can act on.
We work with ministries, agencies, and public institutions to embed evidence directly into policy cycles, planning processes, and programme decisions.
We build the systems, credibility, partnerships, and organisational foundations required for long-term impact.
Our work focuses on strengthening systems, capabilities, and relationships that make evidence routine in governance, not incidental.
We work with leading institutions and development partners committed to advancing evidence-informed policymaking across Africa.
