Empowering Local Research Institutions in West Africa: A Baseline Assessment of Capacity Building Needs for Advancing Fp/Rh and Mnch Outcomes in Ouagadougou Partnership Countries.

Ermel EJ JOHNSON, EVIHDAF
Apurva Kumar, Sanbodhi
Dharmendra Chandurkar, Sanbodhi
Sarah Smith, UCSD-GEH
Esther Spindler , Columbia Univers
Paul Bukuluki, Makerere University
Oumou Keita, UCPO
Arnaud Seroy, UCPO
Marie Ba, UCPO
Rajib Nandi, Sanbodhi
Courtney McLarnon, GEH, UCSD
Jean Christophe Fotso, EVIHDAF

Ouagadougou Partnership research agenda "Beyond 2020" have put the research at the root of improving sexual and reproductive health and right (SRHR) programs and policies. This paper presents a baseline capacity assessment of ten grantee organizations in West Africa, part of the "Agency for All" initiative aimed at enhancing SRHR outcomes through evidence-based strategies and research capacity strengthening. The assessment, conducted from October to November 2023, evaluated individual and organizational capacities in leadership, management, strategic planning, and advocacy. Key findings highlighted the organizations' credibility within policy landscapes and identify capacity gaps in resource mobilization, advocacy, and strategic communication. Tailored capacity-building interventions, including hands-on training, peer learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities were identified. This paper discusses the implications of these findings for the design of capacity-building interventions and outlines the next steps for collaborative workplan development, to empower local institutions to lead SRHR research and advocacy efforts in West Africa.