Validated Terms of Reference for the Pan-African Network for the Analysis of Economic Policies (PANAP)
Date
2026-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
FARA
Abstract
This publication presents the validated Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Pan-African Network for the Analysis of Economic Policies (PANAP), developed under Work Package 7 of the StEPPFoS project. The TOR establishes the governance framework, operational principles, membership structures, and coordination mechanisms guiding the PANAP network in advancing evidence-based economic policy analysis for sustainable agri-food systems across Africa.
The document defines PANAP’s mission, objectives, priority thematic areas, membership categories, governance arrangements, collaboration principles, and operational procedures. It provides institutional guidance for strengthening cooperation between African and European research institutions, policymakers, regional organisations, and development partners engaged in economic analysis of agricultural and food system policies.
Developed through a consultative validation process led by FARA and the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC), the TOR reflects contributions from PANAP members, AU and EU institutions, and regional organizations. It aligns PANAP’s activities with major continental and international policy frameworks, including Agenda 2063, the Malabo Declaration, the AU-EU Innovation Agenda, the FNSSA Partnership Roadmap, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The TOR establishes PANAP as a collaborative platform for policy modelling, knowledge sharing, capacity strengthening, and research-policy engagement, thereby enhancing Africa’s institutional capacity for data-driven and evidence-informed policymaking.
Description
This publication documents Deliverable D7.1 of the StEPPFoS project and provides the validated Terms of Reference (TOR) governing the operations and institutional framework of the Pan-African Network for the Analysis of Economic Policies (PANAP).
The report explains the rationale, governance structure, operational mechanisms, and strategic objectives of PANAP as a continental network supporting economic policy analysis, research collaboration, and evidence-based policymaking in Africa’s agri-food systems.
The TOR outlines:
PANAP’s mission and strategic objectives
Membership categories, eligibility, and application procedures
Governance and steering committee structures
Secretariat functions and management responsibilities
General Assembly and annual meeting arrangements
Collaboration mechanisms among members
Deliverables and reporting structures
Amendment and review procedures for the TOR
The document positions PANAP as a collaborative network of African academic, research, and policy institutions operating under the aegis of the African Union Commission and the European Union, with technical collaboration from the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC).
Key thematic priorities identified in the TOR include:
Agricultural and food policies
Food and nutrition security
Food systems sustainability
Trade and investment policies
Climate adaptation and environmental resilience
Youth employment and skills development
Gender equality and social inclusion
Agricultural financing and transformation
Migration and rural development
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The publication further describes PANAP’s governance model, including the Steering Committee, Secretariat arrangements jointly managed by FARA and JRC, and membership representation mechanisms that promote regional balance, gender inclusion, and participation of early-career researchers and young professionals.
A governance and membership structure diagram on page 16 visually illustrates the relationship between the Steering Committee, Secretariat, ordinary members, honorary members, and external members.
The report also highlights the collaborative functions of PANAP, including:
Joint research projects
Shared knowledge repositories
Policy impact modelling
Staff exchanges and mobility
Technical workshops and scientific meetings
Capacity development and training
Joint publications and policy briefs
The TOR concludes by affirming PANAP’s role as a credible and sustainable platform for strengthening research-policy interfaces, advancing inclusive economic transformation, and supporting evidence-based policy engagement across Africa.
Keywords
PANAP, Terms of Reference, Governance, Economic policy analysis, Food systems, Evidence-based policymaking, AU-EU Partnership, Agricultural policy, Policy modelling, Membership framework, Research collaboration, Capacity building, Food security, Sustainable agriculture, Policy networks
Citation
Antwi, K. (2026). Validated TOR for the Network (StEPPFoS Deliverable Report D7.1; FDN #64). Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA).