11 June, 2026

Call for an Expression of Interest to develop the Tana Forum Policy Papers

Terms of Reference:
ADevelopment of the ‘’Tana Policy Papers’’ for the 12th Edition of the Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa.
Call prepared by the TANA Forum Secretariat.

  1. Introduction
    The Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), Addis Ababa University (AAU), is a prominent Institute for higher education, research and policy dialogues on peace and security in Africa. Established in 2007, it ranks among the top 46 educational establishments and think tanks in Sub-Saharan Africa according to the 2020 Global Go to Think Tank Index Reports. IPSS was also selected as the Centre of Excellence for Post-Conflict Societies by the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) in 2017. Additionally, IPSS runs the Africa Peace and Security Programme (APSP), a joint initiative with the African Union, which is mandated by the African Union’s Executive Council to take up the intellectual challenge of finding African-led solutions to peace and security challenges in Africa.IPSS serves as the Secretariat of the Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, which has been held annually since 2012. The Forum brings together prominent individuals, heads of state and government, policymakers, and other experts for an informal gathering to discuss African peace, security, and development matters. This year’s Tana Forum is scheduled for 23 – 25 October 2026 on the theme “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation”.
  2. Objective
    The aim of the Tana Policy Papers is to undertake and publish empirically grounded research and critical analyses on sub-themes related to the theme of the upcoming 12th Tana Forum. The sub-themes are:

    • Sub-Theme 1: Resource Sovereignty and Strategic Resource Governance for Industrial Development
    • Sub-Theme 2: Digital Transformation and Inclusion
    • Sub-Theme 3: African Institutions and Capabilities
    • Sub-Theme 4: Regional Integration, Informality, and Illicit Economies

    The policy papers are expected to proffer concrete policy and strategic recommendations that target African citizens, states, institutions, and partners.

  3. Description of the assignment and Guidelines
    [Contributions that do not adhere to this description and guideline will be disqualified]
    Interested applicants are expected to send an abstract of no more than 1000 words to the IPSS Research and Policy Analysis Unit [[email protected]]. If selected, the prospective authors will be asked to write a policy paper, which will undergo a thorough review process. We expect the policy papers to be theoretically and methodologically grounded. However, contributors must reckon that the submission is directed at policy- and decision-makers. The language, argumentation, and structure of the policy papers must therefore suit accordingly.

    • The contribution and references or bibliography shall not exceed 12 pages.
    • The contribution shall contain the following sections: Title, Key Words (a maximum of 7), Executive Summary, Key Points (a maximum of 5, not exceeding 3 concise sentences), Background/Introduction, Main Body (which may comprise multiple sections), Conclusion, and Policy and/or Strategic Recommendations.
    • It shall be well-referenced, using the APA 7th Edition Referencing Style.
    • The contribution must be submitted in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) format.
    • The format shall adhere to the following specifications:
      • Font Type: Book Antiqua
      • Font Size: 11”
      • Line-Spacing: 1.5 Line Spacing
      • Layout: Before (0pt); After (14pt)

    The IPSS Research and Policy Analysis Unit also reserves the right to edit and amend the contribution before publication, in consultation with the author, to ensure that the contribution meets the expected standard.

    The contributor will, on the basis of a signed Agreement:

    • Ensure the delivery of the Tana Policy paper in accordance with the prescribed description and guidelines above.
    • Ensure the submission, revision, and resubmission of their contributions in accordance with the deadlines communicated by the Research and Policy Analysis Unit.

    IPSS Research and Policy Analysis Unit reserves the right to reject any contribution that fails to meet the deadlines, expected standards, or respond to the reviewers’ concerns.

  4. Timeline
    • Commissioning of the Policy Brief – June 30, 2026;
    • Submission of the First draft – August 7, 2026;
    • Submission of Final draft – August 28, 2026.
  5. Place(s) of Assignment
    The place of assignment is the contributor’s place of residence. There are no travels included.
  6. Duration and Honorarium
    The contributor will work from June 30th to September 30, 2026. Contributors will receive a modest honorarium.
  7. Application Instructions
    Interested applicants should submit the 500-word abstract and a CV, not longer than 3 pages, to [email protected] no later than 22 June 2026. The email title/header must follow this format: [Tana Policy Papers_ Surname ]Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.