Introduction
The Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) is a Moroccan public policy think tank dedicated to producing research, dialogue, and strategic analysis on economic, social, and geopolitical issues affecting Africa and the wider Global South. Based in Rabat, Morocco, it operates as an independent research institution focused on shaping evidence-based public policy and fostering international cooperation.
Originally known as the OCP Policy Center, it adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect a broader mission centered on the concept of a “New South” — a more assertive and self-defined Global South in international affairs.
History and Background
The PCNS was established in 2014 in Rabat as the OCP Policy Center, an initiative linked to Morocco’s OCP Group. Its founding purpose was to create a platform for research on economic development, international relations, and public policy challenges affecting Morocco and Africa.
Key historical milestones:
- 2014 – Creation of OCP Policy Center as a policy research institute
- 2018 – Rebranding to Policy Center for the New South to reflect a broader Global South focus
- 2021 – Recognition as an organization of public utility in Morocco, strengthening its institutional role
- Present day – Expansion into global policy networks and academic partnerships
Over time, PCNS has grown into one of the most influential think tanks in Africa and the Mediterranean region, producing research and hosting international policy dialogues.
Mission and Purpose
The Policy Center for the New South aims to contribute to improving public policy design and decision-making across developing and emerging economies.
Core mission objectives:
- Promote a “New South” narrative that reflects autonomy and intellectual independence
- Support evidence-based public policy formulation in Africa and the Global South
- Strengthen economic, social, and geopolitical research capacity
- Encourage international dialogue and cooperation between North and South
- Provide a platform for Southern expertise and perspectives in global debates
The institution emphasizes building “mental maps” and narratives that allow the Global South to define its own development pathways rather than relying on external frameworks.
Governance and Structure
PCNS operates as an independent Moroccan think tank structured around research, governance oversight, and international collaboration.
Governance structure:
- President/Leadership: The center is led by a senior executive team headed by Karim El Aynaoui
- Research departments: Organized into thematic programs (economics, geopolitics, agriculture, energy, etc.)
- Research fellows and experts: Internal and external scholars contribute to publications and policy reports
- Partnership network: Collaboration with universities, governments, and international institutions
Institutional characteristics:
- Nonprofit research organization
- Independent policy analysis institution
- Strong ties with academic ecosystems (including Moroccan and international universities)
- Host of major policy forums and conferences
Funding and Grants
The PCNS follows a diversified funding model typical of international policy institutes.
Main funding sources:
- Institutional and foundational support (historically linked to OCP Group origins)
- Research grants from international development organizations
- Partnerships with multilateral institutions and universities
- Project-based funding for conferences and policy programs
- Revenue from events, publications, and training activities
Funding priorities:
- Policy research on Africa and Global South economies
- Geopolitical and security analysis
- Development economics and social policy research
- Climate, energy, and agricultural policy studies
- Capacity-building programs for young professionals
This model allows the center to maintain operational independence while scaling international research partnerships.
Major Programs and Initiatives
PCNS runs a wide portfolio of research programs, dialogue platforms, and leadership initiatives.
Atlantic Dialogues
- Flagship annual international conference
- Brings together policymakers, academics, and business leaders
- Focuses on transatlantic cooperation and Global South issues
African Peace and Security Annual Conference (APSACO)
- Dedicated to conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and security governance in Africa
- Engages policymakers and defense experts
Africa Economic Symposium (AES)
- Focuses on macroeconomic policy, trade, and development finance
- Encourages dialogue on Africa’s economic transformation
Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leaders (ADEL)
- Leadership program for young professionals across continents
- Builds a network of emerging decision-makers from Africa and beyond
Research Programs
PCNS organizes research into thematic areas such as:
- Geopolitics and international relations
- Agriculture, environment, and food security
- Economic and social development
- Commodity economics and finance
- Security and defense policy
Impact and Examples of Work
The Policy Center for the New South has become a key intellectual actor in shaping Global South policy debates.
Key impacts include:
Influence on policy thinking
- Provides research used by governments and institutions in Africa and beyond
- Contributes to debates on development strategies and economic reform
Global dialogue platform
- Atlantic Dialogues has become a major forum for North-South and South-South cooperation
- Facilitates exchanges between policymakers, academics, and private sector leaders
Capacity building
- Trains and connects young leaders through the ADEL program
- Builds networks of emerging African and Global South professionals
Research output
- Publishes policy papers, reports, and strategic analyses on global economic and geopolitical issues
- Offers Southern perspectives on international relations and development challenges
Institutional recognition
- Recognized as a public utility institution in Morocco, reinforcing its role as a public interest think tank
Conclusion
The Policy Center for the New South (PCNS) is a leading African think tank that plays a critical role in redefining how the Global South engages with global economic and political systems. Through its research programs, international conferences, and leadership initiatives, it promotes a more balanced and inclusive approach to global policy discourse.
By emphasizing Southern perspectives, policy innovation, and international collaboration, PCNS has established itself as a key platform for understanding and shaping the future of development, governance, and geopolitics across Africa and beyond.
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