The work program of HESPI is research and analysis on development policy issues that are important in formulation of sustainable policy reforms. The research components is to assist with the formulation and implementation of sound economic and social policies and dissemination of high-quality research and policy analyses, and providing advisory services to facilitate broad-based economic growth and transformation.

These issues include public finance management, the role of institutions and good governance in development, the effective use of local finances and development assistance, promotion of private and public investment to sustain long-term growth, and enhancing the quality of life through productive employment, food security and developing physical and social infrastructure.
HESPI’s research engagements are in the following sectors and subsectors:

Economic Sector

The economic sector studies are aimed to:

  • Assess the impact of public policy on broad-based economic growth and transformation
  • Enhance and promote appropriate fiscal policies at the regional and the state levels; and strengthen Public Finance Management in a transparent and accountable manner
  • Assist with implementation of appropriate monetary and financial policies and promote development of the financial sector to deepen and widen finance for trade and investment
  • Promote a culture of financial integrity through the support of institutions for accountability
  • Support mobilization of domestic resources and the effective use financial resources
  • Promote trade development and integration of the economies of the region and Africa at large, and harmonization and coordination of their plans, policies and programs.

Social Sector

There are many challenges posed by current circumstances of the Horn of Africa countries in the social sector. Consequently, there is a need to stimulate sustainable investments in social services and to enhance cost effective development programs. The analytical work of the Institute focuses on the reconstruction of social services in particular education and health, cost effective delivery systems of social services, and design of effective social safety net.
The studies of HESPI in the social sectors are aimed to:

  • Inform and guide social policy makers, and the civil society in the formulation of public policies conducive to social development
  • Assist in setting up databases on social development at the national and regional levels, and to disseminate information on various social sectors
  • Support the provision of public services; particularly in the formulation of comprehensive strategies for rebuilding capable education and health excellence institutions

Productive Sector

HESPI makes maximum use of the technical expertise available within the region and internationally to:

  • Foster agricultural sector modernization and the implementation of targeted agriculture programs
  • Identify constraints (technical, economic, social, institutional, and policy matters) to sustainable agriculture and rural development to address issues of productivity and modernization
  • Provide policy advice and conduct research an analysis to pathways to industrialization and transformation
  • Support the strengthening of the capacities of the productive sector institutions and services
  • Assist in the development of concerted action at the regional and the country levels to address problems affecting the productive sector such as conflict, constraints on trade, trans boundary human and animal disease, youth unemployment, climate change and the early warning and response systems.

Private Sector

The growth and transformation of the sub-region and Africa requires viable and vibrant private sector that is sustainable and competitive. The formation of an optimal relationship between the state and the private sector could be better informed through more comprehensive research on the role of the state in a market-based economy. HESPl’s research and analysis addresses issues on the role of the state in economic markets; and the implications of regulations on economic management. Public/private participation has been developing across many economic and social sectors in Africa and low income countries in general.