Knowledge brokering through the Africa Knowledge Platform : challenges and preliminary reflections

Within the context of the European Union's Partnership with Africa, the Joint Research Centre - European Commission's Science and Knowledge Service - started to develop the Africa Knowledge Platform (AKP) in 2019 (https://africa-knowledge-platform.ec.europa.eu/) a dynamic web-based gateway to knowledge that includes datasets, policy-relevant narratives, interactive tools, and partnerships across a variety of thematic domains. This report was motivated by the need to shift away from a linear and uni-directional production and dissemination of scientific evidence to policy, and innovate towards systematic co-creation of knowledge involving multi-laterally knowledge producers and users. Challenges are addressed to respond to this need and make knowledge more impactful at both policy making and policy implementation levels. This study delves into the intricacies of the AKP's knowledge practices, reflecting its status at the end of the first phase of its development (2019-2023) and particularly assessing its potential for knowledge brokering on the basis of few knowledge products. Outcomes of this report feed into the context of the EU's partnership with Africa, notably for the Regional Centres of Excellence (RCoEs) Programme (2024-2027) where the AKP plays a role as a cross-regional and cross-sectoral transversal platform to enhance the effective use of Science, Technology and Innovation for sustainable development in Africa with a focus on Green Transition.