The Shifting Landscape of African Policy: What the Brenthurst Foundation’s Closure Signals
Africa’s policy space is undergoing a quiet revolution. For two decades, the Brenthurst Foundation, a prominent think-tank funded by the Oppenheimer family, shaped discourse on economic development and governance. Its recent closure isn’t simply the end of an institution; it’s a symptom of a broader recalibration of power, funding, and influence in African policy-making. This shift demands a closer look at the evolving role of independent think-tanks, the rise of new actors, and the implications for the continent’s future trajectory.
The Brenthurst Foundation: A Legacy and a Turning Point
Founded in 2005, the Brenthurst Foundation quickly became a key voice in African economic policy. It championed market-based solutions, advocated for improved governance, and produced influential research on topics ranging from infrastructure development to regional integration. Its closure, as reported by News24, raises questions about the sustainability of the traditional think-tank model in Africa. Was it a matter of shifting priorities for its funders, or a reflection of a changing landscape where its influence was waning?
The answer is likely a combination of factors. The rise of sovereign wealth funds and direct engagement by international actors like China and the Gulf states has created alternative channels for policy influence. Furthermore, a growing emphasis on South-South cooperation and African-led initiatives is challenging the dominance of Western-backed think-tanks. This isn’t to say that the Brenthurst Foundation’s work was without merit, but rather that the context in which it operated has fundamentally changed.
The Rise of New Policy Actors in Africa
The vacuum left by institutions like the Brenthurst Foundation is being filled by a diverse range of new actors. These include:
- African Governments’ Internal Policy Units: Increasingly, African governments are investing in their own in-house policy expertise, reducing reliance on external consultants and think-tanks.
- Homegrown Think-Tanks: A new generation of African-led think-tanks, often with a stronger focus on local contexts and priorities, is emerging. These organizations are often more attuned to the nuances of African political economies.
- Philanthropic Organizations with Direct Engagement: Foundations like the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and the Tony Elumelu Foundation are not only funding research but also actively implementing programs and advocating for policy changes.
- Private Sector-Led Initiatives: Business associations and individual companies are playing a more prominent role in shaping policy debates, particularly in areas related to trade, investment, and infrastructure.
Key Takeaway: The era of externally-driven policy prescriptions for Africa is fading. A more multipolar landscape is emerging, with African actors taking greater ownership of their own development agendas.
The Impact of Geopolitical Shifts on Policy Influence
Geopolitical competition is a major driver of the changing policy landscape. China’s growing economic and political influence in Africa has created a counterweight to traditional Western donors. This has led to increased funding for African governments and think-tanks aligned with Chinese interests. Similarly, the Gulf states are investing heavily in African infrastructure and security, often with strings attached.
This increased competition for influence can be a positive development, as it provides African governments with more options and leverage. However, it also carries risks. The potential for debt distress, the erosion of governance standards, and the exacerbation of existing inequalities are all concerns.
Did you know? China’s lending to Africa has surpassed that of all other nations combined in recent years, significantly altering the continent’s debt profile.
Expert Insight:
“The closure of the Brenthurst Foundation is a wake-up call. It highlights the need for African think-tanks to become more financially sustainable and to develop a stronger voice in shaping the continent’s policy agenda. They must move beyond simply responding to donor priorities and proactively identify and address the challenges facing African communities.”
The Future of African Policy: Trends to Watch
Several key trends are likely to shape the future of African policy:
Digitalization and Data-Driven Policy
The rapid growth of mobile technology and data analytics is creating new opportunities for evidence-based policy-making. Governments are increasingly using data to track progress, identify challenges, and target interventions. However, concerns about data privacy and security need to be addressed.
Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience
Africa is disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Policy-makers will need to prioritize adaptation measures, such as investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable agriculture. The continent also has a significant opportunity to leverage its renewable energy resources.
Regional Integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
The AfCFTA has the potential to transform Africa’s economic landscape. However, realizing its full benefits will require significant investments in infrastructure, trade facilitation, and regulatory harmonization. Policy-makers will need to address non-tariff barriers and promote regional value chains.
The Growing Importance of Youth and Inclusion
Africa has the youngest population in the world. Policy-makers will need to prioritize investments in education, skills development, and job creation to harness the potential of this demographic dividend. Promoting gender equality and social inclusion is also crucial.
Pro Tip: Focus on building local capacity and fostering collaboration between African governments, think-tanks, and the private sector to ensure sustainable policy outcomes.
Navigating the New Landscape: Implications for Stakeholders
For international donors, the changing policy landscape requires a shift in approach. Rather than dictating policy prescriptions, they should focus on providing technical assistance, supporting African-led initiatives, and fostering dialogue. For African governments, it’s crucial to strengthen their own policy-making capacity, promote transparency and accountability, and engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.
For think-tanks, the key to survival is relevance and sustainability. They need to develop a clear value proposition, diversify their funding sources, and build strong relationships with policy-makers and the public. Focusing on niche areas of expertise and providing actionable insights will be essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Brenthurst Foundation’s closure mean for African economic policy?
It signals a shift away from externally-driven policy prescriptions towards a more African-led approach. It also highlights the need for think-tanks to adapt to a changing funding and influence landscape.
What are the main challenges facing African policy-makers today?
These include climate change, geopolitical competition, debt distress, and the need to create jobs for a rapidly growing youth population.
How can think-tanks remain relevant in the new African policy landscape?
By focusing on local contexts, providing actionable insights, diversifying funding sources, and building strong relationships with policy-makers and the public.
What role will China play in shaping African policy in the future?
China’s influence is likely to continue to grow, providing African governments with more options but also posing risks related to debt and governance.
The closure of the Brenthurst Foundation is a pivotal moment. It’s a reminder that policy influence is not static, and that the future of Africa will be shaped by those who are able to adapt to the changing dynamics of power and funding. The continent is at a crossroads, and the choices made today will determine its trajectory for decades to come. What role will you play in shaping that future?
