Page 81 - AERC Strategic Plan 2 July2020

THE AERC 2020–2025 STRATEGIC PLAN

Improving strategic communications capability is also fundamental to the achievement
of the ‘influence’ objective. The AERC has already taken some proactive steps in this
regard through the employment of communications experts and the development of a
visibility strategy. Further improvements in the area of externally oriented, strategic
communications are required. This will include the conduct of research and the
development of policies and programmes that position the AERC as a strategic and tactical
player in proactive economic policy communication in Africa. There is a need to develop
a nuanced understanding of the strategic requirements of funders and economic policy
actors (i.e. their priorities and policy imperatives and communication needs); developing
communication programmes that meet these needs; and delivering communications
products that are relevant, accessible, and informative. This will include a focus on
developing digital platforms for communication; the greater use of ICT and, in particular,
mobile-phone technology; and the greater use of video-conferencing and other remote
technologies that can engage with people in real time without removing them from their
workplaces. It will also involve expanding AERC’s language and translation capabilities
to ensure products are communicated as effectively as possible to the broadest possible
range of stakeholders.

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