I would like to begin by thanking the Faculty of Arts for supporting my internship award through the Faculty of Arts Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism Fund, which made this internship possible. I am Alicia Granger, a French-Ivorian student in U2 completing a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in International Development Studies and Economics. Having been raised in C么te d鈥橧voire, Senegal, and Cameroon, I developed a strong interest in the role that governance and political institutions play in promoting economic growth and reducing poverty across Africa.
This summer, I worked as a Research, Programs, and Knowledge Management Intern at the Center for Democratic Development, Ghana (CDD-Ghana). CDD-Ghana鈥檚 mission is to promote democracy and strengthen accountability in Africa through evidence-based research and advocacy. Their widely respected and impactful work across the continent motivated me to pursue this internship to build real-world skills in data analysis and policy engagement. I chose to complete my internship in Accra, Ghana, due to my familiarity with the region and my desire to gain firsthand insight into governance practices and challenges on the ground.
During my internship, I worked across multiple desks and contributed to both operational and research-based tasks. With the West Africa Election Observers Network (WAEON), I supported efforts to promote electoral integrity in C么te d鈥橧voire and Benin ahead of their upcoming elections. I communicated closely with the European Partnership for Democracy and local civil society organizations to ensure the effective coordination of activities. My responsibilities included drafting concept notes, terms of reference, strategic briefing documents, and quarterly donor reports, often in both French and English.
At the International Desk, my work focused on the shifting dynamics between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States. I participated in high-level expert meetings, contributing to drafting speeches and preparing concise executive reports. I also wrote the 鈥淓ye on West Africa鈥� newsletter, which provides policymakers with bi-weekly updates of regional developments. Moreover, I wrote an in-depth research paper on the ongoing situation in Burkina Faso. I also drafted a full research proposal for submission to a West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) research grant focused on democratic actors in the Sahel.
Though shifting between multiple thematic areas and managing overlapping deadlines was demanding, my academic background helped me navigate these responsibilities effectively. My interdisciplinary studies in Economics, Development, and Politics provided me with a range of research methods and analytical skills that were useful for the deliverables I was tasked with.
The insights I have gained during this internship will inform the paper I will produce in Fall 2025, for which I am receiving academic credit under the supervision of Professor Franque Grimard.
This internship has had a significant impact on my academic and professional interests. It has strengthened my desire to pursue a career in international development, particularly in roles involving research, policy engagement, and project management. It has also confirmed my interest in continuing my studies in Economics of development with a focus on learning data-driven strategies to improve human well-being.
I am deeply thankful to the entire team at CDD-Ghana and to my direct supervisors for the remarkable experience.
Receiving Faculty of Arts Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism Internship Award made it possible for me to intern in Ghana. The financial support ensured I could fully participate in the program by covering essential expenses such as travel, housing, and transportation. It also allowed me to explore Ghana and learn about its rich culture.
I am extremely grateful for this experience, which has been memorable and transformative.
