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3. How is the ATTP project financed, and what is the total funding amount?
The ATTP project is financed through an International Development Association (IDA) grant from the World Bank amounting to US$50 million. This funding is allocated for both regional and African initiatives within the project. The project life cycle is from July 2024 to June 2028.

4. What are the key components of financial management within the ATTP project?
Financial Management (FM) for the project involves several crucial aspects, including budgetary controls, clearly defined procedures, managed fund flows/disbursements, a robust accounting system, qualified FM staffing, effective information/accounting systems, internal controls, financial reporting, auditing arrangements, adherence to FM covenants, and a detailed FM Action Plan. This includes actions such as ensuring that Annual Work Plans and budgets (AWP&B) are submitted for the Bank's No Objection and closely following up on budget utilization. A finance officer is to be recruited or assigned to the program, and necessary account codes are maintained in the AUC’s Systems, Applications, and Processing (SAP) for this program.

5. What procurement guidelines and procedures must be followed within the ATTP project?
Procurement within the ATTP project must adhere to the World Bank's "Procurement Regulations for Investment Project Financing (IPF) Borrowers," specifically the Fourth Edition, November 2020. This includes preparing a detailed procurement plan, utilizing World Bank standard bidding documents, following up on solicitation documents with the Bank, and adhering to guidelines for international competitive bidding (ICB), bid evaluation, and contract award procedures. The Operations Support Services Directorate (OSSD/SCMD) is responsible for consolidating procurement plans and submitting them to the World Bank for review and approval through the World Bank’s internal procurement approval system, Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement (STEP).

6. What are the requirements for handling complaints related to procurement under the ATTP project?
Complaints arising from national procurement procedures when approaching the national market may be handled in accordance with the Borrower’s national procurement complaints review procedures, if those provisions are acceptable to the Bank. However, for contracts following national procurement procedures that are identified to be prior reviewed by the Bank, paragraphs 3.2 to 3.5 of Annex III of the Procurement Regulations shall also apply. Complaints arising under contracts where Bank SPDs are required will be handled in accordance with Annex III of the Procurement Regulations.

7. What role does the Project Procurement Strategy for Development (PPSD) play in the ATTP project?
The PPSD is a crucial document of AUC that outlines how procurement activities will support the development objectives of the ATTP project and deliver the best Value for Money (VfM) under a risk-based approach. It justifies the selection methods in the Procurement Plan and ensures that procurement decisions are strategically aligned with project goals.

8. What are the conditions for the disbursement of funds to selected think tanks?
Disbursement of funds to the successful think tanks will only occur after the AU has internally approved the submitted agreed deliverables. The AUC will establish each winning think tank as a vendor in the AUC SAP system and assign a vendor ID. The think tank will submit an invoice to the ATTP project secretariat for processing after approval of the submitted deliverable. The AUC Finance will process the payment for each submitted deliverable by the think tank within 30 working days.

9. What are the conditions for disbursement of funds related to the Endowment Fund within the ATTP project?
Disbursement to the Endowment Fund will only occur after the AU has internally approved and established the Endowment Fund through its internal policy organs and appointed a Fund Manager, all in a manner satisfactory to the AUC.

10. What measures are in place to address fraud, corruption, and conflicts of interest during procurement in the ATTP project?
The ATTP project incorporates measures to prevent and address fraud, corruption, and conflicts of interest. The Bank can reject proposals, sanction firms or individuals, and require audits to ensure transparency and accountability. Firms or individuals declared ineligible or sanctioned by the Bank are excluded from participation. Bidders are required to permit the Bank to inspect all accounts, records, and other documents relating to the procurement process.

11. What is the governance mechanism of the Project, and what is its role?
The main governance body of the ATTP is the Think Tank Platform Steering Committee (TTPSC). The TTPSC's role is to provide strategic guidance and oversight for project implementation, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration among participating AUC departments and directorates.

12. What is the composition of the TTPSC?
The TTPSC will comprise 12 members and have pan-African representation, including representatives from the AUC, AU organs, and specialized agencies, as well as representatives of relevant regional bodies (Regional Economic Communities, the private sector, academia), and development partners supporting the AUC.

13. What are the frequency and modality of TTPSC meetings?
The TTPSC is expected to meet twice a year. This may include a meeting at the beginning of the year to discuss and approve work plans and budgets, and one at the end of the year to review annual reports. However, additional meetings may be required, for example, during the selection of think tanks and addressing other implementation issues as they arise. Meetings may be conducted in person or virtually, depending on the circumstances.

14. How are decisions made during TTPSC meetings?
Decision-making will be made through majority vote. That requires support from more than 50% of the members who attend the meeting if there is a quorum. In the event of a tie, the Chair of the TTPSC will cast the decisive vote.

15. How is the call for proposals linked to the ATTP Project?
The project serves as a critical enabler of Africa's economic transformation by promoting and accelerating the uptake of relevant policies identified by think tanks. African think tanks will be invited to submit proposals that present practical solutions, highlight evidence, demonstrate strong potential for impact, and align with the project's objectives. The project will be executed in three components:

• Component I: Establish capacity to operate a sustainable policymaking platform.
• Component II: Strengthen the quality, relevance, and uptake of policy research on priority issues.
• Component III: Support the sustainability of the regional platform.

The call for proposals responds to Component II. Visit the ATTP project portal on the World Bank Website for more.

16. What are the priority thematic areas covered under the project?
The project initially targets six themes aligned with Agenda 2063, SDGs, and IDA priorities:

1. Economic transformation and governance
2. Climate change and energy transition
3. Regional trade and AfCFTA
4. Food security
5. Human capital development
6. Digitalization

17. What are the key areas for which the think tank consortia are expected to implement activities?

1. Collaborative policy research: High-quality research addressing continental priorities and gaps in the policy cycle.
2. Effective policy engagement: Engagement strategies to influence policy formulation and ensure research uptake by stakeholders.
3. Institutional capacity building: Activities to improve sustainability, research strength, and talent development.
4. Female policy professional inclusion: Programs that mentor and elevate women in policy spaces.

Note: Activities must demonstrate regional relevance and potential positive externalities.

18. What are the key eligibility criteria that will be used for the selection of the think tanks?

• Apply as a consortium of 3–5 African think tanks, with a lead.
• Minimum 3 years of legal operation, registration, board, and financial records.
• Cover at least 4 of the 6 priority themes.
• Commitment to regional integration.
• Signed commitment letter from all consortium members.

19. How are think tanks and a consortium of think tanks defined in the context of the ATTP Project?
A consortium is a group of African think tanks collaborating under one proposal.

• Lead Think Tank: Coordinates the consortium, provides strategic direction, and ensures goal delivery.
• Consortium Member Think Tanks: Execute research, policy engagement, capacity building, and contribute technical expertise under thematic guidance.

20. How is the selection process of the Think Tanks and the Consortium of Think Tanks conducted?
The selection is a 3-step process:

1. Screening: AUC staff checks eligibility and compliance.
2. Peer Review: ICE evaluates eligible proposals based on quality, team capacity, and budget.
3. Site Visits: ICE, AUC, and observers assess on-site readiness before final selection.

21. How will funds be allocated to the selected consortium of Think Tanks?

• 2–4 consortia expected to be funded.
• Each consortium may receive up to $15 million over 4 years.
• Funding capped at 30% of annual operating budget per think tank.

22. What are the key timeline of the selection process?

• Proposal deadline: 22 August 2025
• Screening: 29 August 2025
• Evaluation: 12 September 2025
• Award notification: 3 October 2025
• Disbursement: 14 November 2025

23. What languages does the application support?
Proposals should be submitted in English. Applicants may also attach a version in another AU working language: Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Kiswahili.

24. How many proposals can be submitted per consortium?
Only one proposal per consortium is allowed. Only complete applications will be reviewed.

25. How will the applications be submitted?
Applicants must use the provided templates and submit via the application portal: [DAVID PLEASE PROVIDE A LINK TO THE SUBMISSION PAGE] by the deadline.

26. How will the consortium's performance be monitored and measured under the ATTP Project?
Performance is tracked annually against the Project Results Framework. Key points include:

• 10% of next year’s funding may be withheld if targets are not met but funds are used appropriately.
• Mid-term reviews may lead to fund reallocation based on performance.
• Less than 75% performance after 2 years = 10% reduction (unless exceptional).
• Less than 50% fund usage = 10% reduction of the excess unspent amount.

Sanctions and rewards are based on realistic targets, fund utilization, and adherence to the result framework.

27. How are disputes under the project settled?
Disputes are referred to the TTPSC. Their decision is final.

28. Will the ATTP Secretariat organize an informational session for potential applicants?
Yes. The AUC will organize sessions to educate applicants about the ATTP project, proposal development, and submission guidelines.

29. Who and how to contact the ATTP Secretariat if the applicants have additional questions or requests for clarification?
Contact: attpinfo@africanunion.org

30. What are the roles and responsibilities of the various institutions in relation to the project implementation arrangement?

African Union Commission (AUC)
Coordinating Office – Partnerships Management & Resource Mobilization Directorate:

• Overall management and ensuring the achievement of project goals and objectives
• Manage secretariat support to the Think Tank Platform Steering Committee (TTPSC)
• Coordinate activities, organize meetings, and facilitate communication among implementing bodies
• Facilitate meetings, workshops, and conferences related to the project
• Manage the competitive selection process of think tanks
• Act as secretariat for TTPSC meetings
• Manage the general fund and establish an endowment fund
• Lead on environmental and social risk management (including grievance redress mechanism), monitoring & evaluation, and project-level reporting (financial and progress) to the World Bank

AUC Thematic Departments (priority areas):

• Provide intellectual leadership on research related to regional economic priorities
• Oversee think tank work plans and proposal implementation
• Facilitate policy engagement, including collaboration with Technical TTs and Specialized Technical Committees (STCs)

Directorate of Finance:

• Responsible for financial management of the project

Operations Support Services Directorate:

• Responsible for procurement processes and compliance

African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF)

• Organize forums and knowledge exchange between researchers and policymakers
• Coordinate fellowships and secondment programs
• Lead training and capacity building for policymakers, civil society, and key stakeholders
• Strengthen think tanks in areas such as research quality, communications, resource mobilization, partnerships, and twinning arrangements
• Create a database of African and global think tanks
• Develop an online African Knowledge Repository
• Establish a peer network for female professionals
• Conduct a study on best practices to enhance female participation in policy research
• Lead policy community surveys

African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)

• Provide technical advisory support to think tanks’ research in priority areas
• Promote national adoption of research-informed policies and encourage collaboration on research activities
• Contribute to the development of the policy research agenda through engagement with think tanks, thematic directorates, and STCs