BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Eswatini has entered into a partnership with the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) to strengthen evidence-based policymaking, research capacity and institutional development, in a move aimed at improving the use of credible research in national decision-making.
The agreement, announced by the Nairobi-based research institution on October 15, 2026, establishes a framework for collaboration between APHRC and the Government of Eswatini, with a focus on generating and using research evidence to inform policies and support national development priorities.
The partnership is expected to strengthen collaboration between researchers and policymakers, helping ensure that decisions affecting public services and communities are informed by reliable evidence.
Evidence-based policymaking involves using credible research, data and analysis to guide government decisions, rather than relying solely on assumptions or anecdotal information. It can help governments identify priority needs, assess the effectiveness of programmes and direct resources towards interventions that deliver measurable results.
Through the agreement, APHRC and the government intend to advance collaborative research, policy engagement and institutional capacity-building.
The partnership also creates an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between research institutions and government departments, ensuring that relevant findings can be translated into practical policy responses.
Among the areas identified for potential cooperation are research on ageing populations, zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and pandemic preparedness. These issues have implications for public health planning, the resilience of health systems and the ability of institutions to respond to emerging challenges.
The announcement also points to possible support for civil-service modernisation, the School of Government and youth employment.
These areas could provide opportunities to apply research and evidence to public-sector performance, skills development and the design of programmes intended to improve employment prospects for young people.
For Eswatini, stronger links between research and government planning could help improve the identification of national priorities and the assessment of development programmes. Access to relevant research can also support the evaluation of existing interventions and help policymakers identify where adjustments may be necessary.
The collaboration places emphasis on institutional capacity-building, which is important for ensuring that the ability to generate, interpret and apply evidence becomes part of the country’s long-term policymaking processes.
However, the practical impact of the agreement will depend on how the partnership is implemented, including the research projects selected, the institutions involved and the extent to which findings are incorporated into government programmes.
Further details on implementation timelines, funding arrangements and specific projects were not established in the announcement.
APHRC is an African research institution based in Nairobi, Kenya, that works on population and health research and engages with policymakers to promote the use of evidence in decision-making.
The agreement provides a framework for closer cooperation between the institution and Eswatini’s government as the country seeks to strengthen research-informed planning and institutional capacity.
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