Vision
To become a leading African institution advancing evidence-driven leadership and transforming research into impactful policy and practice.
Centre for Research and Leadership
Bridging research, leadership,
and impact across Africa.
We connect researchers, policymakers, and implementers — closing the gap between what is known and what is done. A platform on the path to becoming the African Institute for Research and Leadership.
Morogoro · Tanzania
About CRL
An African platform where research meets leadership.
The Centre for Research and Leadership (CRL) is an emerging African platform dedicated to strengthening the intersection between research, leadership, and real-world impact. Founded on the recognition that Africa has a growing pool of talented researchers and young leaders, CRL seeks to address a persistent gap: the limited translation of research evidence into policy decisions and practical implementation.
CRL is envisioned as a lean, collaborative, and impact-oriented platform, working closely with academic institutions, policymakers, and implementing partners. Rather than duplicating existing efforts, the Centre positions itself as a connector and enabler — fostering dialogue, building capacity, and supporting systems that ensure evidence is not only produced but also used effectively.
In the long term, CRL aims to evolve into the African Institute for Research and Leadership (AIRL) — a continental institution recognized for advancing evidence-driven leadership and shaping policy and practice across Africa.
Mission
To strengthen the capacity of emerging researchers and leaders through mentorship, training, and collaborative platforms that promote high-quality research, leadership excellence, and the translation of evidence into real-world impact.
What makes CRL different
The Centre for Research and Leadership (CRL) distinguishes itself from existing research and training platforms through its integrated and action-oriented approach. While many institutions focus primarily on either research capacity building or leadership development, CRL is explicitly designed to bridge the gap between knowledge generation, decision-making, and real-world implementation.
Translation, not just publication
Unlike traditional academic programs that prioritize publication outputs, CRL emphasizes the translation of evidence into policy and practice, ensuring that research findings are not only produced but also utilized. At the same time, it goes beyond conventional leadership programs by embedding evidence-informed decision-making at the core of its training.
Tripartite collaboration
A key differentiator is CRL’s focus on tripartite collaboration, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and implementers within structured platforms for dialogue and joint action. This approach addresses a critical systemic gap where these actors often operate in silos.
A mentorship-to-impact model
CRL adopts a mentorship-to-impact model, guiding participants from research idea generation through to publication, policy engagement, and real-world application. This end-to-end approach ensures continuity and measurable impact.
By combining research, leadership, and implementation within a single framework, CRL positions itself not just as a training center, but as a catalyst for evidence-driven change.
Theory of Change
How change happens — from inputs to impact.
The Theory of Change for CRL is grounded in the assumption that strengthening the interface between research, leadership, and implementation will lead to improved health and development outcomes.
Stage 01Inputs & ActivitiesWhat CRL invests in
- Research training and mentorship
- Leadership development programs
- Policy dialogue platforms
- Stakeholder engagement and partnerships
- Knowledge management and communication
- Monitoring, evaluation and learning
Stage 02OutputsWhat we produce
- Skilled researchers and leaders
- High-quality research and publications
- Policy briefs and knowledge products
- Multi-sectoral collaborations
- Evidence translation platforms
Stage 03OutcomesShort to medium term
- Improved use of evidence in decision-making
- Stronger collaboration between researchers, policymakers and implementers
- Increased production of policy-relevant research
- Enhanced leadership for evidence-informed change
Stage 04ImpactLong term
- Evidence-informed policies and programs
- Stronger, responsive and equitable health systems
- Improved population health and wellbeing
- A culture of learning, collaboration and continuous improvement across sectors
Stage 05VisionWhere it leads
A healthier Africa where evidence drives leadership, policies and actions that improve lives.
Feedback loopsLearning from implementation informs policy, research and leadership.
From inputs to outputs
At the input and activity level, CRL invests in three core areas: building research capacity, developing leadership competencies, and facilitating structured engagement between researchers, policymakers, and implementers. These activities are designed not only to enhance individual skills but also to create platforms for collaboration and knowledge exchange. These efforts are expected to generate immediate outputs, including a cadre of skilled researchers and leaders, increased production of high-quality publications, development of policy-relevant knowledge products, and strengthened networks across sectors. However, CRL recognizes that outputs alone are insufficient to drive change.
Intermediate outcomes
Through sustained engagement and application, these outputs contribute to intermediate outcomes, particularly improved use of evidence in decision-making processes, stronger collaboration among key actors, and increased alignment between research priorities and policy needs.
Long-term impact
Ultimately, these outcomes are expected to contribute to long-term impact, including more effective and evidence-informed policies and programs, strengthened health systems, and improved population health outcomes. The model is iterative, with continuous feedback loops ensuring that lessons from implementation inform future research and policy directions.
Core pillars
Three pillars, one integrated model.
Research Capacity Strengthening
This pillar focuses on equipping participants with the skills required to design, conduct, and disseminate high-quality research. It includes training in research methods, data analysis, and scientific writing, as well as structured mentorship programs that guide participants from idea generation to publication. The emphasis is on producing research that is not only academically rigorous but also relevant to local contexts and policy needs.
Leadership Development
Recognizing that technical expertise alone is insufficient, this pillar emphasizes the development of leadership competencies such as communication, negotiation, systems thinking, and ethical decision-making. Participants are exposed to real-world challenges and are trained to lead in complex and resource-constrained environments.
Evidence Translation
This is the defining pillar of CRL. It focuses on bridging the gap between research and implementation through training in policy brief development, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy. The Centre also facilitates platforms where researchers, policymakers, and implementers can interact, ensuring that evidence informs decisions and actions.
What we offer
Services that support individuals, institutions, and systems.
CRL offers a range of services designed to support individuals, institutions, and systems.
Training and Capacity Building
Structured short courses and fellowship programs in research methods, leadership, and evidence translation. These programs will be tailored to different levels, from students to mid-career professionals.
Mentorship and Career Development
A structured mentorship program connecting early-career professionals with experienced researchers and leaders. This will include a “mentor-the-mentor” approach to ensure sustainability.
Research and Consultancy Services
CRL will provide consultancy services in:
- Research design and implementation
- Monitoring and evaluation (M&E)
- Policy analysis and development
- Program evaluation
These services will support governments, NGOs, and development partners while generating revenue for sustainability.
Policy Engagement and Dialogue
The Centre will organize policy dialogues, dissemination workshops, and stakeholder forums to promote the uptake of research findings into policy and practice.
Thematic focus
Where our work begins.
Infectious Diseases
Epidemics, emerging threats, health security.
Health Systems Strengthening
Service delivery, workforce, governance, financing.
Health Diplomacy & Policy
Negotiation, policy engagement, global leadership.
Non-Communicable Diseases
The growing chronic-disease burden in African populations.
Maternal & Child Health
Evidence-based interventions across the life course.
Adolescent Health
Sexual and reproductive health, mental health, social determinants.
Participant journey
From recruitment to alumni.
- i
Recruitment
Competitive selection of early-career researchers and emerging leaders.
- ii
Foundational Training
Methods, leadership, and translation — theory paired with cases.
- iii
Mentorship
Pairing with experienced mentors; individual or group projects begin.
- iv
Output & Dissemination
Publications, policy briefs, conference and policy-dialogue presentations.
- v
Alumni Network
Continued support, collaboration, and a pipeline of future mentors.
Growth pathway
From Centre to Institute.
0–2 years
CRL
Pilot programs and foundational partnerships. Tanzania-based, virtual-first.
→3–5 years
Expanded Centre
Regional scale. Morogoro physical hub. Consultancy revenue stream.
→5–10 years
AIRL
The African Institute for Research and Leadership — continental impact.
Leadership
The team behind the Centre.
ME
Dr. Majani Edward
Executive Director
MA
Motunrayo Awe
Program Director
WA
Wisdom Ameh
Research & Training Lead
OM
Ojelade Mary Oluwatosin
Research & Training Lead
JM
Jusu Musa
Evidence Translation Lead
BM
Baraka Mfilinge
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Officer
NM
Naima Mbwana
Communications & Partnerships Lead
PO
Peter Okon
Fellowship & Mentorship Coordinator
Get involved
Three ways to engage with CRL.
For institutions & funders
Partner
Universities, ministries, NGOs, development partners. Co-design programs, share platforms, build capacity together.
Start a conversation →For early-career researchers
Apply
Express interest in upcoming fellowships, short courses, and mentorship cohorts.
Register your interest →For everyone else
Subscribe
Occasional updates on programs, policy briefs, and the journey from CRL to AIRL.
Join the mailing list →Contact
Start a conversation with CRL.
Built by
Scandnavia Technologies
A product studio for institutions — based in Arusha, working across East Africa and Missouri in the United States.
Flagship
MedIntel
A clinical co-pilot for African clinicians — drug references, simulations, atlases, daily briefs.