Ethiopian Development Research Institute
EDRIEstablished in 1999 as a premier development research institution dedicated to evidence-based policy research for Ethiopia's growth.
19 years of service
Overview
The Policy Studies Institute is an autonomous federal research institute generating rigorous evidence to inform Ethiopia development policy.
Background
Two leading Ethiopian policy research institutions merged in November 2018 to form one unified national think tank.
Unified
Policy Studies Institute
PSI · Est. 2018A single national think tank generating high-quality evidence and strategic policy advice for sustainable development.
Policy Study and Research Centre
PSRCFounded as a specialized center for policy studies, strategic analysis and national development planning support.
12 years of service
1999
EDRI Founded
2006
PSRC Founded
2018
Merger
PSI
Unified Institute
Future
Ongoing
Institutional Purpose
The Policy Studies Institute (PSI) was established in November 2018 as a unified national policy research institution through the merger of EDRI and PSRC.
PSI serves as Ethiopia's national think tank, dedicated to rigorous evidence generation, strategic advisory work, sustainable development support and institutional capacity building.
Evidence Generation
High-quality research and data
Strategic Advisory
Policy recommendations
Sustainable Development
Supporting Ethiopia's growth
Institutional Unity
One cohesive think tank
EDRI
+
PSRC
=
PSI
About PSI
Vision, Mission & Values
The Institute is guided by public value, rigorous evidence, policy relevance and institutional learning.
Vision
To become a leading policy research institute that supports Ethiopia development through trusted evidence and practical policy insight.
Mission
To conduct rigorous research, generate policy options, strengthen institutional capacity and support evidence-informed public decisions.
Core Values
Scientific integrity, public value, responsiveness, collaboration, transparency and commitment to national development.
About PSI
Mandate
PSI conducts objective research, policy analysis, advisory work and knowledge exchange to support Ethiopia development decisions.
About PSI
01 Policy Research
Evidence that informs national policy decisions
The Policy Research pillar is the core of the Institute's mandate, generating high-quality, evidence-based research that informs national development policies and public decision-making. Through rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis, PSI examines Ethiopia's economic, social, environmental, governance, and institutional challenges to produce practical policy recommendations.
The Institute conducts multidisciplinary research, impact evaluations, baseline and end-line studies, policy diagnostics, and strategic assessments that support government institutions, development partners, academia, and other stakeholders in designing effective policies and programmes.
About PSI
02 Advocacy
Turning evidence into dialogue and public action
PSI serves as a national platform for translating research evidence into policy dialogue and public action. The Institute promotes knowledge sharing, stakeholder engagement, and constructive dialogue among government institutions, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector, and the wider public.
Through conferences, policy forums, seminars, workshops, publications, and digital platforms, PSI ensures that research findings are accessible, understandable, and effectively integrated into policy formulation and implementation.
About PSI
03 Capacity Building
Strengthening the skills and institutions behind policy
PSI is committed to strengthening the analytical, technical, and institutional capacities required for evidence-based policymaking. The Institute designs and delivers professional training, mentoring, technical assistance, and organizational development programmes for government agencies, universities, research institutions, and development organizations.
Its capacity-building initiatives enhance research skills, policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, data management, leadership, and institutional performance to support sustainable national development.
About PSI
04 Policy Consultancy
Practical advisory services for complex development questions
PSI provides independent, high-quality consultancy services to public institutions, development partners, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. The Institute offers expert advice grounded in scientific research and extensive policy experience to address complex development challenges.
Consultancy services include policy formulation, strategic planning, institutional reform, programme evaluation, socio-economic studies, feasibility assessments, regulatory analysis, and organizational performance improvement. Every engagement is designed to deliver practical, evidence-based solutions that support effective decision-making and sustainable development outcomes.
Research Centers
Six centers, two clusters
01
Policy Study Cluster
Economic Affairs Policy Study and Research Cluster
Leads policy research on macroeconomics, finance, trade, industry, urban systems, infrastructure, agriculture and rural development.
Macro, Finance and Trade Policy Study and Research Center
Examines macroeconomic stability, financial systems, public finance, trade policy and regional integration.
View Center
Industry, Urban and Infrastructure Policy Study and Research Center
Analyzes industrial transformation, manufacturing, urban development, infrastructure and productivity policy questions.
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Agriculture and Rural Development Policy Study and Research Center
Generates evidence on agricultural development, food systems, rural livelihoods, environment and climate change.
View Center
02
Policy Study Cluster
Social and Good Governance Policy Study and Research Cluster
Supports research on social development, poverty, human capital, law, justice, governance, foreign affairs and national security.
Social, Poverty and Human Resource Policy Study and Research Center
Studies social development, poverty reduction, income distribution, education, health and human resource policy.
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Law, Justice and Governance Policy Study and Research Center
Focuses on rule of law, justice, good governance, public institutions and service delivery reforms.
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Foreign Affairs and National Security Policy Study and Research Center
Analyzes diplomacy, regional relations, national security and foreign policy questions.
View CenterInstitutional Arrangement
Office
PSI is organized around research centers, knowledge management, data systems and institutional support directorates.
Executive Leadership
Director General
Provides strategic leadership, coordination and institutional direction.
Support Office
Office of the Director General
Strategic oversight, institutional coordination and leadership support.
Administrative Support
Administration Chief Executive Office
Human resources, finance, procurement, technology infrastructure and general services.
Research Cluster
Economic Affairs Policy Study and Research Cluster
Macroeconomic modeling, finance, trade, industry and rural development policy analysis.
Macro, Finance and Trade Policy Study and Research Center
Macroeconomic Policy
Banking and Finance
Trade Policy
Industry, Urban and Infrastructure Policy Study and Research Center
Manufacturing and Mining
Infrastructure Development
Urban Development
Agriculture and Rural Development Policy Study and Research Center
Agricultural Development
Rural Development
Environment and Climate Change
Research Cluster
Social and Good Governance Policy Study and Research Cluster
Social development, governance reform, human capital, justice and national policy research.
Social, Poverty and Human Resource Policy Study and Research Center
Social Development
Poverty and Income Distribution
Human Resource Development
Law, Justice and Governance Policy Study and Research Center
Law, Justice and Governance
Foreign Affairs and National Security Policy Study and Research Center
Foreign Affairs and National Security
Researchers
Explore Researcher Profiles
Explore researcher profiles, education levels, thematic expertise and policy engagement areas.
