REFA HUB Host first Pan African Fellows Convening
On the 24th of February, 2026, REFA Hub held its first Pan African Fellows Convening bringing together fellows for a focused session to set the direction of the network’s work.
The meeting opened with a clear articulation of REFA’s purpose: to respond to pressing institutional and developmental challenges through a structured, collaborative network model. Participants were reminded that REFA is not a passive mailing list, but an active working structure designed to produce research, shape institutional alignment, and drive practical implementation.
A key highlight of the convening was the presentation of REFA’s three-part architecture: the Research Network (focused on theory and knowledge production), the Charter (supporting institutional alignment), and the Project arm (dedicated to implementation). This framework establishes a phased and strategic approach to achieving REFA’s long-term vision.
Discussions also introduced thematic streams such as education and epistemic agency, lived economies, institutional misfit, and governance prototyping—which will guide collaboration across the network. Fellows will be aligned into smaller working clusters, with leadership emerging organically based on engagement and capacity. The session further marked the transition into a grant-driven phase, with upcoming funding opportunities identified and teams set to form around targeted calls. Participation in these teams will be structured and expertise-driven, with the aim of securing early submissions.
In addition, the development of a REFA Charter was announced as a priority, with a drafting group to be established in March to support institutional partnerships and formal alignment. The convening concluded with key next steps, including stream confirmations, formation of grant teams, progress on the Charter, and continued development of the REFA website, which is expected to be completed in March.
This first convening sets the tone for a dynamic and action-oriented network, marking the beginning of REFA’s collaborative work across research, policy, and implementation.