The Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies (ACPSS) was established in Egypt in 1968. We are an independent research unit within the framework of Al-Ahram Foundation. We conduct research on social, political and economic issues in Egypt, regional integration and the relationship between the Arab countries and the world. We maintain complete research independence and are committed a philosophy of free investigation and criticism as the basis for proposing recommendations for change. For more information visit http://acpss.ahram.org.eg

The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) was established in Ghana in 2000. Our mission is to contribute to the establishment of a just and free society that is democratic, prosperous, integrated and secure in West Africa and beyond. Spurred by the emergent policy convergence and global consensus on the need to pursue political, economic, and social reforms simultaneously in contemporary Africa, IDEG focuses on poverty reduction, economic growth, democracy and good governance. Through first-class scientific research and analysis, policy dialogue and advocacy and capacity building we expand the scientific knowledge base, enhance change management skills and foster innovative partnerships between state and non-state actors. For more information visit www.ideg.org

Fahamu was established in the United Kingdom in 1997. Through our offices in Kenya, South Africa and Senegal we work with civil society organisations and social movements to address the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized in society. We seek to nurture these movements to become significant agents of change. We focus on strengthening the movements from within, by enhancing individual, collective and organisational leadership, skills and knowledge, as well as without, by creating platforms and networks for effective advocacy. Our AU Monitor initiative provided training, research and information to civil society and citizens working on the African Union and its organs. For more information visit www.fahamu.org

Civil Society Learning and Capacity Building Centre (CESC) is a non-profit organisation registered in Mozambique. We support learning and capacity building of civil society organizations to improve the level and quality of citizens’ participation in development processes. We do this through programmes that support capacity-building, applied research, conferences dialogues and the dissemination of information and knowledge. For more information contact www.cescmoz.org

Oxfam International is a confederation of 14 like-minded organizations working together and with partners and allies around the world to bring about lasting change. In Africa, we work directly with communities and partner organizations to save lives, build livelihoods and hold Member States of the African Union and rich countries accountable to the realisation of pro-poor political, social and economic rights. By working with others we seek the eradication of absolute poverty, inequality and injustice in Africa. Through our offices in Addis, Dakar, Nairobi and the Hague we provide capacity-building grants, technical research and advocacy expertise and support for pan African organizations and coalitions to be heard in the corridors of powerful African and International multi-lateral institutions. For more information visit www.oxfam.org

CASS, Center for Advanced Social Science (CASS) was established in 1992 in Nigeria. We are a research institute concerned with improving the scientific base of management and public policy in order to advance the development of Africa. We promote fundamental and applied research on public policy, governance and democratization, and the international system by working with specialists in these areas. Our findings and recommendations are published as books, monographs, scientific papers in journals, occasional papers, position papers but also popular versions in the print and electronic media. We also train policy makers, researchers and managers and provide advisory services to Governments and private organizations. For more information contact

The African Forum for the Defence of Human Rights (RADDHO) was established in Senegal in 1990. Founded by African intellectuals largely drawn from researchers and teachers at the prestigious Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, our goal is to promote and protect human rights, the right to privacy and human dignity in Senegal and Africa. We are committed to all Africans exercising their full rights to citizenship, the rule of law and democracy and Pan African solidarity, peace, friendship and solidarity. For more information visit www.raddho.org

The Southern Africa Trust (SAT) was established as independent, regional, non-profit agency registered in South Africa in 2005. We support organizations and processes that deepen and widen public participation in policy dialogue on issues of regional poverty in Southern Africa. We are committed to overcome poverty and raise the voices of the poor people so they can be heard in policy dialogue and have a better impact in the development of public policies. For more information visit www.southernafricatrust.org