Afrobarometer, a prominent pan-African research network dedicated to amplifying the voices of African citizens in policy-making processes, proudly welcomes the Instituto Guineense de Pesquisa Aplicada para o Desenvolvimento (IGPAD) as its newest national partner. This partnership signifies a momentous occasion as Afrobarometer prepares to conduct its inaugural survey in Guinea-Bissau, further expanding its reach and influence across the African continent. The collaboration underscores Afrobarometer’s commitment to ensuring that the perspectives of African citizens are effectively integrated into governance and policy discussions. This expansion aligns strategically with Afrobarometer’s overarching mission of broadening its country coverage during its current Round 10 survey cycle, which commenced in January 2024. Guinea-Bissau’s inclusion, alongside Comoros and Chad, strengthens the network’s representation and provides valuable insights into the diverse experiences and opinions of African citizens.
The addition of Guinea-Bissau also reinforces Afrobarometer’s presence within the Lusophone community in Africa. This strengthens the network’s ability to capture the nuanced perspectives and experiences of Portuguese-speaking African nations, complementing existing partnerships in Cabo Verde, Angola, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe. The inclusion of Guinea-Bissau further diversifies the range of voices captured within the Afrobarometer network, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing African citizens across linguistic and cultural contexts. This enhanced representation allows for a more nuanced analysis of continental trends and fosters greater cross-cultural understanding.
The collaboration between Afrobarometer and IGPAD signifies a shared commitment to empowering citizens and strengthening democratic processes in Guinea-Bissau. Sueli Santy, executive director of IGPAD, expressed enthusiasm for joining the network and emphasized the significance of this partnership in amplifying citizen voices in national policy dialogues. This alliance promises to provide a platform for Guinean citizens to express their views on key issues and contribute meaningfully to shaping their country’s future. The partnership’s emphasis on citizen engagement underscores the vital role of public participation in fostering responsive and accountable governance.
To facilitate a smooth transition and ensure alignment with Afrobarometer’s rigorous research standards, a comprehensive onboarding workshop, conducted in collaboration with CDD-Ghana, Afrobarometer’s core partner for anglophone West and North Africa, has been organized for the IGPAD team. Scheduled for April 28 – May 2, 2025, this workshop will equip the IGPAD team with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively execute the upcoming data collection phase, planned for June 2025. This collaborative effort demonstrates the network’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of data quality and methodological rigor.
CDD-Ghana, as the core partner overseeing Afrobarometer activities in Guinea-Bissau, is committed to supporting IGPAD in meeting the network’s stringent standards for survey excellence. Henry Kwasi Prempeh, executive director of CDD-Ghana, reiterated this commitment and expressed excitement about supporting Guinea-Bissau’s integration into the Afrobarometer network. He highlighted the importance of ensuring the delivery of credible, citizen-centered data that accurately reflects the experiences and perspectives of the Guinean populace. This collaborative approach ensures that the data collected meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.
The expansion of Afrobarometer’s reach into new territories, including Guinea-Bissau, Comoros, and Chad, transcends mere numerical growth. It represents a concerted effort to create more inclusive spaces for African voices in both national and continental dialogues. Boniface Dulani, Afrobarometer director of surveys, emphasized that this expansion is about giving more African citizens a platform to be heard and contribute to shaping policy agendas. The inclusion of new modules in Round 10, focusing on critical issues such as sexual and reproductive health and rights, public health, and access to justice, further deepens Afrobarometer’s engagement with the issues that resonate most deeply with African communities. This demonstrates the network’s commitment to addressing pressing societal concerns and empowering citizens to contribute to positive change.
