— WHO WE ARE
A think-do tank for the Horn of Africa
The HORN Institute for Strategic Studies is a non-profit, applied research and policy think-do tank based in Nairobi, Kenya. Founded in 2017, the Institute focuses on the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, bridging research, policy engagement, and strategic dialogue.
The Institute works closely with local communities, governmental and non-governmental organizations on various projects and activities focusing on six thematic areas that include defense and security; terrorism; violent extremism and radicalization; diplomacy and foreign relations; governance, statecraft and conflict management; transnational crimes and strategic threats; and climate change, migration, and development.
“The HORN Institute is the think-do tank where critical thinking meets high-stakes problem-solving to catalyze action, shape policy, and drive meaningful change”
The Founder, HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies
OUR VISION
A progressive Horn of Africa served by informed, evidence-based and problem-solving policy research and analysis
OUR MISSION
Contribute to independent, objective, definitive research and analytical inquiry that positively informs policies of governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations
Our Objectives
- Conduct cutting-edge action research and analysis to help inform policy making and action in defense and security; terrorism, violent extremism, and radicalization; diplomacy and foreign relations; governance, statecraft and conflict management; transnational crimes and strategic threats; and climate change, migration, and development
- Engage in conflict resolution and peacemaking
- Engage in strategic communication for preventing and countering terrorism, responding to conflicts and emerging threats
- Participate in routine advocacy on security, conflict resolution, peacemaking, and climate action
- Design courses and deliver training on themes relating to the Institute’s focus areas
— OUR REGIONAL FOCUS
13 Countries.
One Strategic Region.
The HORN Institute monitors, analyses and engages with a primary focus on 13 countries across the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region — one of the world’s most strategically complex and dynamic geopolitical spaces.
What We Do
The HORN Institute conducts policy research, trainings, strategic analysis and convenes dialogues on critical regional issues
Policy-Relevant Research & Analysis
Generating rigorous, evidence-based analysis on the region’s most critical security, governance and development challenges.
High-Level Dialogue & Regional Engagement
Facilitating conferences, roundtables and expert consultations that connect policymakers, diplomats and civil society leaders.
Strategic Insights for Decision-Makers
Providing timely political risk analysis and policy advisories for practitioners and policymakers.
Capacity Building & Knowledge Exchange
Delivering executive masterclasses and practitioner training through the HORN Academy to strengthen professional capacity.
Our Centers
Defence and Security
Advancing strategic thinking on defence and security challenges across the Horn of Africa, from military modernisation to early warning systems.
Terrorism, Violent Extremism & Radicalisation
Analysing radicalisation drivers and developing evidence-based counter-terrorism and P/CVE strategies tailored to the region.
Diplomacy and Foreign Relations
Examining great-power competition, economic diplomacy, and the diplomatic challenges facing Horn nations in a multipolar world order.
Governance, Statecraft & Conflict Management
Advancing strategic thinking on defence and security challenges across the Horn of Africa, from military modernisation to early warning systems.
Transnational Crimes & Strategic Threats
Mapping illicit economies, cyber threats, arms proliferation and maritime piracy that destabilise the region’s security architecture.
Climate Change, Migration & Development
Analysing climate-security linkages, forced migration, food and water security, and climate finance pathways for the Horn of Africa.
Our Programmes
Horn of Africa Regional Peace and Security Programme
HARPS — The flagship programme addressing cross-border peace, security cooperation and conflict prevention.
Prevention of Terrorism Programme
Research, training and dialogue supporting governments and communities in preventing and countering violent extremism.
HORN Futures
Forward-looking strategic foresight examining long-term socio-economic, political and security trajectories.
Regional Democracy, Governance & Rule of Law
Supporting democratic governance, constitutional processes and rule of law across the Horn of Africa and Great Lakes.
INFORM Initiative
Combating disinformation and building media literacy — tracking and responding to information disorder in the region.
Western Indian Ocean Programme
Examining maritime security, blue economy governance and geopolitical dynamics in the Western Indian Ocean.
The Horn Academy
Through the HORN Academy, the Institute offers executive masterclasses and practitioner training programmes designed to deepen understanding of regional dynamics and strengthen professional capacity among diplomats, policymakers, practitioners and students.
The Academy bridges academic knowledge and real-world policy practice, equipping participants with practical insights and skills relevant to the region.
EXPLORE COURSES →
Our Partners
The HORN Institute works closely with a wide network of partners — connecting research, dialogue and knowledge exchange to strengthen policy responses to regional challenges.
