Centre for Policy Research and Advocacy
Overview of the Centre
CPRA was established in July 2014 as a Research Center under UDBS. Establishment of the Centre was guided by the UDSM policy for the research centers. It was motivated by the growing demand for research, in advocacy, business environment and the need for the promotion of dialogue advocacy process in strengthening Tanzania’s business environment.
Vision and Mission of CPRA
CPRA Profile
The main thrust of the Centre's research activities includes; private sector development, public and private dialogue, policy advocacy and facilitation of reforms in business environment at local and national levels. The Centre intends to streamline and customize its research activities to feed into PPDs and policy decision-making processes. By collaborating with policy makers, private sector organizations and other relevant actors in PPDs, CPRA is expected to increase the university-industry linkage and facilitate the development of evidence-based policies and reforms. The CPRA mainly focuses on promotion and development of critical knowledge and information for enhancing public-private dialogue (PPD) and advocacy process for the purpose of improving the business environment and investment climate at both local and national levels.
During its existence, CPRA has registered many achievements in line with its mission. The Centre has executed several consultancies directed towards solving some of the immediate business environment problems for both in private and public sectors. These achievements are due to the treasure of highly trained and experienced human resources at the Centre. The CPRA networks with the University of Dar es Salaam Consultancy Bureau (UCB, Management Development Consultancy Bureau (MDCB) of the University of Dar es Salaam Business School (UDBS), Directorate of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (DIEN), and wider network of associates outside the University to deliver desired quality services.
CPRA Type of Researches
The Centre researches and consultancies are widely distributed to cover all aspects of business activities such as: policy and advocacy, logistics and procurement management, marketing, accounting, finance and capital markets, banking and financial services, operations management, information technology, human resource development, business re-engineering, governance and accountability, corporate social responsibility, tourism, forest management and environmental conservation, business planning, SMEs, entrepreneurship, value chain management, and agricultural supply chain, etc.
CPRA’s Team
Proffesor Goodluck Charles is the Coordinator of the CPRA. The CPRA’s team includes: Dr. Fred P. Okangi, Dr. David P. Rwehikiza, Dr. Merezia Wilson, Dr. Mesia Ilomo, Dr. Theresia Busagara, Dr. Mohamed Samkunde, Dr. Kanani Renger, Dr. Diana Philemon, Dr. Patrokil Kanje, Dr. Mussa Nkuba, Dr. Winnie Nguni, Dr. Elizabeth Joseph, and Dr. Patrick Singogo. Many of the members have extensive experience in conducting research both to private and public institutions. For projects with a multi-disciplinary facet the Centre has very good collaborative relationship with other units of the University of Dar es Salaam. The Centre may also draw expertise from any other discipline within and outside the University to team up with its members.
CPRA’s Partners
The CPRA's partners include but not limited to: BEST-Dialogue, Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE), Confederation of Tanzanian Industries (CTI), Vikundi vya Wenye Viwanda na Biashara Ndogo Ndogo (VIBINDO), Agricultural Council of Tanzania (ACT), Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Trade (TCCIA), Tanzania Association of Microfinance Institutions (TAMFI), Tanzania Milk Processors Association (TAMPA), Tanzania Exporters Association(TANEXA), Tanzania Shiptally Association (TASHITA), Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT), LOGIMAC Tanzania, United Nations Development Pogramme (UNDP), World Food Programme (WFP), and TRIAS Tanzania.
CPRA’s Current Project
Currently, the Centre has been implementing research on participation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the implementation of the Second Five Year Development Plan (FYDP II) for the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) with the support of TRIAS Tanzania. The research is implemented in the four regions of Tanzania namely: Arusha, Dodoma, Mbeya, and Mwanza. The project essentially aims at the following; establishing an improved business environment and higher participation of SMEs and private sector organizations (PSOs) in the realization of national development goals; and well informed private sector organizations contributing to a constructive policy dialogue around economic and fiscal governance. Furthermore, the project intends to strengthen the research capacity of the TCCIA in bridging the gap between policymakers and SMEs by ensuring that the voice of SMEs is heard and included as one of the industrialization agenda of the Second and Third Five-Years Development Plans of the United Republic of Tanzania.