Policy and Practice Research Lab

African Governance Innovations Lab (AGIL): Identifying Pockets of Accountability and
Democratic Resilience

PIs: Jaimie Bleck, Bernard Forjwuor, Lamin Keita, and Erin McDonnell

The African Governance Innovations Lab (AGIL) is an interdisciplinary working group dedicated to promoting research and policy frameworks that highlight effective governance, accountability, and democratic resilience in Africa. By identifying “bright spots” of good governance – whether historical, micro-level, or outside formal institutions – AGIL fosters collaboration among scholars, particularly those based on the African continent, to advance understanding and innovation in democracy and human development. The lab supports research, educational opportunities, and policy engagement through activities like commissioning white papers, organizing workshops, and building scholarly networks, with the ultimate goal of informing both theory and practice in African governance.