The African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APDD) Program is the newly rebranded initiative of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) that bridges the strengths of the erstwhile African Peacebuilding Network and Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa (APN and Next Gen) program.

APDD advances African-led research and scholarship on peacebuilding, governance, and developmental changes in conflict-affected countries and sub-regions in Africa. The program responds to the evolving geographies of conflict, development, and inequality on the continent – examining economic, environmental, and political trends, the emergence and dynamics of new actors, and the interplay between local and external factors driving socio-economic transformations, conflict trajectories and evolving peacebuilding responses. 

Building on the vision of the APN and Next Gen Program, APDD introduces new and evolving policy-engaged research themes and supports fellows in developing innovative approaches to field-based research on the emerging challenges such as rapid technological changes and innovations, environmental change, political transitions, migration, and the complex dimensions of resource extraction, and their impact on conflict, peace, and security in Africa.

Program core components include:

·  Fostering Innovation and Capacity-building through research and doctoral fellowships, trainings, conferences, seminars and outreach engagements

·  Bridging Research, Policy and Practice in Africa by bringing African leaders and scholars into conversations through policy dialogues, high-level convenings and policy briefings

·  Amplifying African Thought Leadership and Knowledge Dissemination through our widely read publications, including Working Papers and Lecture Series, African Peacebuilding Policy Review and Analysis, as well as through the program’s digital forums and social media platforms (Kujenga Amani Blog and Podcast, Facebook, and X)

·  Nurturing Partnerships and Scholarly Networking through its African University Seminar Series (AUSS) and consolidation of existing partnerships with universities, national, civil society, African regional and US policy institutions.