PEP - Partnership for Economic Policy

#Hiring PEP is seeking to recruit an Africa-based specialist in policy engagement and knowledge translation for a full-time position commencing in March or April 2025. The specialist will work in close collaboration with, and under the supervision of, PEP’s Director of Engagement and Impact to help maximize the uptake and influence of research-based evidence to inform economic and development policy decisions in Southern countries. Salary: A competitive package will be negotiated with suitable applicants. To be considered, applications must be received by e-mail no later than 17th February 2025. Please submit your letter of motivation with a detailed CV/resume to info@pep-net.org. Know more about the position: https://lnkd.in/gkN6zqN4

🔎 PEP Findings: The ongoing Russia-Ukraine War (RUW) has revealed significant vulnerabilities in the economies of Egypt and Kenya, particularly among women. Gender disparities in employment, income, and access to resources have intensified as a result of economic shocks stemming from the conflict.   Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ggCPwg_6

Nairobi Hosts GrOW-EA end of Project Workshop From March 5 to 7, 2025, policymakers, experts, and researchers from East Africa will gather in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss pathways for promoting gender-inclusive economic growth in the region. The Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) organized the three-day workshop, marking the end of the Growth and Economic Opportunities for Women (GrOW) East Africa initiative. ➡️ 🔗 https://lnkd.in/duC_6-iR CC PEP - Partnership for Economic Policy #WomenEmpowerment #WomenEconomicInclusion #Policymakers #EconomicPolicy #GenderEquality #BreakingGenderBarriers

Tackling Youth Unemployment in Rwanda With more than 65% of Rwanda’s population under 30, youth unemployment remains a pressing issue. Challenges such as weak education-to-work transitions, limited funding for entrepreneurship, and fragmented employment programs continue to hinder opportunities. What’s the solution? A team of local PEP researchers conducted a deep dive into Rwanda’s youth employment policies and programs. Their findings highlight the need for: - Stronger public-private collaboration - Increased funding for youth-led enterprises - Better communication strategies to connect youth with opportunities 📢 Policy Actions for Change By addressing these gaps, Rwanda can create more and better job opportunities for its young population. Swipe through the slides to learn more! Explore the full research and policy recommendations here: https://lnkd.in/eBqjjRXf This research was conducted with financial and scientific support from PEP - Partnership for Economic Policy, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, as part of the ‘What Works for Youth Employment in Africa’ initiative. 👉🏾 https://lnkd.in/eBqjjRXf #YouthEmployment #Rwanda #JobCreation #PolicySolutions #PEPResearch

Strengthening Cashew Farmers' Market Power in Guinea-Bissau With support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, PEP is working to reduce information gaps and empower cashew producers in Guinea-Bissau through experimental Impact Evaluation (IE). Cashew nuts drive over 90% of the country's exports, yet farmers struggle to negotiate fair prices due to limited market information. Key Research Insights: ✅Limited market information prevents producers from negotiating fair prices. ✅ A helpline service connecting farmers with market analysts can boost incomes. ✅ Establishing regional cooperatives would enhance price transparency and collective bargaining power. Next Steps for a Stronger Cashew Sector: ✔️ Expand the N'kalo Market Information Service with a dedicated helpline. ✔️ Support the creation of regional cooperatives to improve price negotiations. ✔️ Advocate for policy reforms that ensure fairer and more sustainable growth. By adopting these solutions, Guinea-Bissau can boost farmers' incomes and ensure long-term economic sustainability in the cashew sector. Read the full policy brief: https://lnkd.in/gQY-HwBJ This research was made possible through PEP's support, funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. #CashewEconomy #FairTrade #EconomicSustainability #AgricultureInnovation

With support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, PEP is strengthening experimental Impact Evaluation (IE) capacities among researchers and government institutions in East and West Africa. 📊 Key Research Findings: ✅ Behavioral insights & SMS campaigns show promise but require further refinement. ✅ Community Health Workers (CHWs) & vaccine ambassadors play a crucial role in combating misinformation. ✅ Strong coordination between Global VAX and partners significantly increased vaccine coverage. 🔹 Next Steps to Improve Vaccine Uptake: ✔️ Refine behavioral insights programs to optimize vaccine messaging. ✔️ Strengthen CHW training for more effective community outreach. ✔️ Enhance partner coordination to expand vaccine access. By implementing these evidence-based strategies, Tanzania can increase vaccine confidence and build public health resilience. 📖 Read the full policy brief: https://lnkd.in/g-sgzvJ8 🔎 This research was made possible by PEP with funding from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gMy3HaBu #PublicHealth #VaccineUptake #ImpactEvaluation #Tanzania

Who holds the decision-making power in global knowledge production? 👇 Despite contributing vital insights, Global South researchers often find themselves on the margins of major research initiatives. PEP has been working to shift this imbalance by advocating for equitable research partnerships that recognize their leadership—not just in implementation but in shaping development and policy solutions. With their deep knowledge of local challenges, understanding of cultural contexts, and established networks, Global South researchers are uniquely positioned to drive impactful change. PEP Research Fellows led a series of studies investigating the imbalance of participation of researchers from the Global South in development economics research, policy, and consulting activity. 🔖 Learn more about PEP's research studies: https://lnkd.in/gwsfEVHk 🧾 Learn more about our work in promoting local research leadership: https://lnkd.in/gTyzNUNU 🎯 Read about our Call to Action for a more inclusive research ecosystem: https://lnkd.in/g6GUysp3

🚨 Trade disruptions from the Russia-Ukraine War have intensified economic hardships in the Global South, particularly in Egypt and Kenya. Women bear the brunt of these shocks, yet gender-focused policies can offer real solutions. 🔎 Local PEP researchers point out how these disruptions have significantly impacted Egypt, which relies heavily on wheat imports, and Kenya, which depends on imported oil and fertilizer. Women in both countries face unique economic challenges, requiring targeted policy interventions. 🌍 PEP is partnering with the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) and the Economic Research Forum (ERF) for a collaborative research program funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC). 🔑 Key recommendations include: ✅ Targeted gender-oriented policies, such as cash transfers for women in vulnerable households, to ensure aid reaches those who need it most. ✅ Using detailed, cost-efficient ex-ante impact assessments, including model-based evaluations, to allocate public funds effectively. ✅ Expanding social assistance programs to protect the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, while balancing limited fiscal space. 📖 Read the policy brief here: https://lnkd.in/gQkCAEgd 💡 This research was supported by PEP with funding from International Development Research Centre (IDRC). 🔗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dkz7kCzP

The latest SPES Sustainability Performances, Evidence & Scenarios) working paper "Sustainable Energy Futures: Transition Scenarios and Instruments in Selected Case Study Regions" explores how different pathways can drive the transition to renewable energy across diverse global contexts. 🔑 Key Insights: 1️⃣ Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 requires urgent and coordinated action, with rapid electrification and expansion of renewables. 2️⃣ Energy transition pathways vary by region—while Europe faces challenges in phasing out legacy infrastructure, countries like India and Pakistan grapple with rising energy demand. 3️⃣ Delayed action increases transition risks, making early policy interventions essential for a sustainable and just transition. As part of the SPES Sustainability Performances, Evidence & Scenarios project, PEP collaborates with leading institutions worldwide to provide policymakers with evidence-based insights on sustainability. This research underscores the importance of strategic scenario planning in shaping energy futures. 📖 Dive into the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gPRjNsbi #Sustainability #EnergyTransition #NetZero2050 #SPESProject

With support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, PEP is strengthening experimental Impact Evaluation (IE) capacities among experienced researchers and within governments in East and West Africa. As part of this initiative, in Malawi, researchers found that maize production can increase significantly through integrating Soil Fertility Management Interventions (SFMIs)—such as organic fertilizers and agricultural lime—into the Affordable Inputs Program (AIP). Over 40% of soil in Malawi is highly acidic and nutrient-deficient, thus limiting yields. 📊 Key Findings: ✅ Better soil health = Higher fertilizer efficiency ✅ Organic fertilizers & lime boost maize yields ✅ Targeted policy reforms can enhance food security Here’s how policymakers can make a difference:  ✅ Mandate SFMIs (organic fertilizers & agricultural lime) as a condition for AIP subsidies.  ✅ Leverage agricultural extension services to promote sustainable soil management.  ✅ Continual update of soil information and soil maps by the government. 📖 Read the full policy brief here: https://lnkd.in/gVWzQPpi Know more about the program here: https://lnkd.in/gMy3HaBu #Agriculture #FoodSecurity #ImpactEvaluation #Malawi