Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, Africa

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) in Africa is located in the South African Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) in the University of Cape Town School of Economics. J-PAL's mission is to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. We do this through three main activities:

• Conducting Rigorous Impact Evaluations: J-PAL researchers conduct randomized evaluations to test and improve the effectiveness of programs and policies aimed at reducing poverty.
• Policy Outreach: J-PAL's policy group analyzes and disseminates research results and builds partnerships with policymakers to ensure that policy is driven by evidence, and effective programs are scaled up.
• Capacity Building: J-PAL equips practitioners with the expertise to carry out their own rigorous evaluations through training courses and joint research projects.

J-PAL Africa conducts randomized evaluations, builds partnerships for evidence-informed policymaking, and helps partners scale up effective programs. Our research team evaluates the impact of social programs and policies in South Africa, covering a wide range of sectors including labor markets, urban services, and political participation. Our policy team works with organizations and governments across Africa to build, pilot, and scale cost-effective interventions, including the Teaching at the Right Level approach to primary education.