The Exchange-Junction: Update

The inaugural edition of The Exchange-Junction – a high-level convening of think tank leaders from across the SADC region – struck a deliberate balance between deep introspection and forward-looking vision for the future of policy advocacy in the region. Discussions centred on how these like-minded institutions could better harness one another’s work, strengthen their collective impact, and secure long-term sustainability beyond the constraints of donor funding. A recurring theme was the need for “clock-building” – investing in institutional and organisational strength – rather than remaining confined to “time-telling,” the diagnosis and articulation of issues and problems.

Among the key takeaways: participants underscored the need for genuine collaboration between think tanks in the region, building on one another’s work rather than competing or duplicating efforts. They also called for the adoption of mixed and diversified pathways to financial sustainability, particularly as donor funding contracts and civic space narrows. Finally, the convening highlighted the importance of strengthening the legitimacy of think tanks by grounding their work in citizen-centred approaches, while safeguarding their political independence.