The AfRes-Data Early Career Researcher (ECR) Training and Capacity Building Workshop, organized by the Union for African Population Studies (UAPS), was held at the Best Western Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya, from November 28 to December 2, 2022. The workshop brought together emerging scholars from across Africa to strengthen their research skills, expand professional networks, and build confidence to lead Africa’s demographic and development research agenda.
Objectives
The workshop was designed to:
- Equip fellows with advanced research methods combining rigor and policy relevance.
- Strengthen UAPS’s role as a hub for African-led research and knowledge dissemination.
- Foster networks among early career researchers to support collaboration and long-term engagement.
Workshop Structure and Activities
Day 1 – Building Strong Foundations
Participants began with training in quantitative data analysis and instrument design, ensuring a solid grounding for subsequent sessions.
Day 2 – Bridging Methods and Meaning
Sessions focused on mixed-methods approaches and qualitative data analysis, emphasizing the value of combining numbers with narratives to generate deeper insights.
Day 3 – Beyond the Basics
Fellows were introduced to advanced analytical tools such as quantile regression, expanding their capacity to address complex research questions.
Day 4 – Mastering Complexity
Training moved to instrumental variable regression for causal analysis, equipping participants with tools to strengthen causal inference in their work.
Day 5 – Making Research Matter
The final day emphasized evidence synthesis and strategies for policy impact, encouraging participants to translate research into actionable outputs for decision-makers.
Faculty and Facilitation
The sessions were facilitated by leading experts from the University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN) and the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), including:
- Prof. Zaharie Tsala Dimbuene
- Prof. José Mangalu Mobhe
- Dr. Naa Dodua Dodoo
- Ms. Hleziwe Hara
Through interactive methods, faculty blended theoretical depth with practical application, enabling fellows to directly apply new knowledge to their own research contexts.
Building Networks and Collaboration
Beyond classroom learning, the workshop provided a platform for networking and peer exchange. Fellows worked collaboratively on analytical tasks, building relationships that are expected to evolve into long-term research collaborations.
Outcomes and Ripple Effects
The workshop equipped participants with:
- Advanced technical and analytical research skills.
- Practical strategies for engaging policy through evidence.
- Strengthened professional networks across Africa.
The impact of Cohort 1 is expected to be reflected in research publications, policy briefs, and program designs emerging from fellows in the coming years.
Looking Ahead
As Africa undergoes rapid demographic transitions, the need for locally trained, highly skilled researchers has never been greater. The AfRes-Data ECR Fellowship embodies a vision where African challenges are met with African-led solutions, informed by rigorous research and evidence. The Nairobi workshop was only the beginning. Cohort 1 fellows now carry forward the responsibility of shaping policy, advancing scholarship, and strengthening Africa’s collective voice in the global research community.
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