26 young francophone African researchers honed their skills at the Afrobarometer summer school and thematic workshop, marking a significant milestone in their research careers. From November 3-21 in Cotonou, Benin, these researchers engaged in intensive training, covering research design, survey methodology, and data analysis. The Afrobarometer summer school, offered in both French and English, provided a comprehensive introduction to these essential skills. The 2025 edition delved into the use of public opinion data to explore critical topics such as democracy, governance, climate change, gender, migration, trade, and healthcare access.
Concurrently, the thematic workshop facilitated a deeper exploration of quantitative methods. It aimed to enhance understanding of multiple linear and logistic regression models, apply advanced techniques to Afrobarometer survey themes, foster a collaborative learning environment, and encourage networking for future research collaborations. For many participants, this training represented a pivotal moment in their career development.
Toavina Rafidimanana, a data manager at COEF-Ressources and Afrobarometer's national partner in Madagascar, highlighted the summer school's impact on his research methodology expertise and survey result interpretation skills, crucial for evidence-based decision-making. Similarly, Farmata Diarra, a specialist in social and solidarity economy, praised the Afrobarometer summer school as a valuable training program that enhances data processing and analysis abilities.
Eteke Ngoungou Yolande, an economist and doctoral candidate at the University of Yaoundé II, emphasized the workshop's transformative role in her journey as a young researcher in governance, public policy, and development. She expressed her intention to actively promote Afrobarometer within scientific circles and organize sessions with fellow young researchers to integrate Afrobarometer data into their teaching, recognizing its significance for informing public policy in Africa.
These training programs are integral to Afrobarometer's mission of cultivating a new generation of African researchers capable of producing high-quality data and advancing evidence-based policy-making across the continent.
