DIWA Training and Matchmaking
At the core of DIWA’s transformative journey is developing the capacity to generate and use evidence to inform policy decisions. We undertake training and matchmaking workshops, igniting synergy between local researchers, policymakers, and experienced impact evaluation practitioners. This potent convergence bridges West Africa’s policy-research divide, amplifying transformative change.
Call For Applications
Collaborating with Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab Africa (J-PAL Africa), DIWA released a call for applications on December 12, 2022, subsequently closing on January 9, 2023. This clarion call resonated across West Africa and beyond, reaching academic institutions, social media, and stakeholders. Robust scrutiny ensued, evaluating applicant eligibility based on essential criteria.
From a pool of 382 applications spanning 11 West African countries, rigorous assessment resulted in 355 qualified applications. The tapestry of representation embraced Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Togo, Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and The Gambia. Remarkably, diverse backgrounds and regions underscored the program’s regional significance.
Strategic Selection and Momentum
Refined selection criteria, incorporating country representation, gender balance, application quality, and budget considerations, led to the selection of 35 participants. Immersive training commenced on March 27, 2023, spanning five intensive days. Expert facilitators, including CEGA affiliates and NIERA members, unveiled the intricacies of impactful evaluations, generating rich dialogue and interconnection.
The Workshop
The workshop was a vibrant crucible of shared insights, initiating conversations, and fostering partnerships between researchers, policymakers, and CEGA affiliates. Participants passionately embraced the immersive training, signalling a transformative journey towards evidence-driven policymaking. As the workshop concluded, an enriched vision emerged, encompassing DIWA’s ongoing Research Grant Competition, Fellowship program, and Development Impact Summit. Stay attuned to the evolving tapestry of collaboration, innovation, and policy transformation in West Africa.
