POLICY ANALYSIS & DESIGN
The TANGO Research Institute’s Policy Analysis & Design practice delivers comprehensive policy solutions that address the most complex challenges facing governments and international organizations. Our policy experts combine rigorous analytical methods with deep understanding of political economy, institutional capacity, and implementation realities to design policies that work in the real world.
From national development strategies and poverty reduction programs to climate adaptation plans and digital transformation roadmaps, our work spans the full spectrum of public policy. We don’t just write policy papers—we design implementable strategies, support policy adoption, build institutional capacity, and measure outcomes to ensure policies achieve their intended impact.
Our multidisciplinary approach integrates insights from economics, law, finance, and management to deliver holistic policy solutions. Whether you’re designing a national development strategy, reforming social protection systems, developing climate adaptation plans, or modernizing public service delivery—TANGO provides the analytical rigor and implementation expertise you need.
With policy advisory projects in 10+ countries and direct involvement in designing strategies adopted by 32 governments, TANGO’s Policy Analysis & Design practice is trusted by heads of state, cabinet ministers, international development agencies, and multilateral organizations worldwide.
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Why Partner With TANGO Policy Experts
Our Policy Analysis & Design practice stands apart through our commitment to evidence-based analysis, political feasibility, and measurable outcomes. We employ rigorous analytical methods—cost-benefit analysis, impact evaluation, stakeholder analysis, scenario planning—but we never lose sight of the real-world constraints facing policymakers.
Every policy recommendation is grounded in deep understanding of institutional capacity, political economy, and implementation challenges. We understand that effective policy must navigate budget constraints, political opposition, administrative capacity limitations, and social resistance. Our recommendations are not just analytically sound—they’re politically feasible and administratively implementable.
Our track record can speaks for itself:Â governments have adopted national strategies we designed, our poverty reduction programs have reached several people, our agricultural policies benefit Many farmers, our climate adaptation plans protect local people, and our governance reforms have improved public service delivery for thousands of citizens.
Rigorous Analysis – We employ state-of-the-art policy analysis methods including cost-benefit analysis, impact evaluation, microsimulation modeling, and scenario planning
Political Feasibility – We understand political economy and design policies that can actually be adopted and implemented, not just theoretically optimal solutions
Implementation Support – We don’t disappear after delivering a report—our experts support policy adoption, institutional design, capacity building, and monitoring
Measurable Impact – national strategies adopted, people reached by poverty programs, farmers benefiting from agricultural policies, citizens experiencing improved services
Multidisciplinary Integration – Our policy experts collaborate with economists, lawyers, financial analysts, and management specialists to deliver comprehensive solutions
Whether you’re a head of state designing a national vision, a minister developing sector strategies, a development agency planning programs, or an international organization supporting policy reform—TANGO provides the analytical rigor, political insight, and implementation support you need to design policies that transform nations.
Comprehensive Policy Expertise Across Critical Domains
TANGO’s Policy Analysis & Design practice covers the full spectrum of public policy challenges facing governments in the 21st century. Our policy portfolio spans nine core domains, each led by distinguished policy experts with extensive government experience and deep subject matter expertise.
Our policy work is characterized by analytical rigor, political realism, and commitment to measurable impact. We publish extensively while maintaining strong connections to government decision-makers, international organizations, and civil society worldwide.
From national development strategies and poverty reduction to climate adaptation and digital transformation, our work addresses the most pressing policy challenges of our time. We combine analytical excellence with political insight and implementation experience to deliver solutions that work.
Below are our nine core policy domains. Each area features dedicated policy teams, ongoing projects with governments and international organizations, and regular publication of policy briefs, strategy documents, and implementation guides.
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Policy Solutions That Transform Nations
Our policy agenda is driven by the real-world challenges facing governments and international organizations. We maintain active partnerships with 40+ governments, major multilateral organizations (World Bank, UNDP, regional development banks), bilateral development agencies, and leading foundations.
This close connection to policy communities ensures our work addresses the questions that matter most—and that our recommendations reach decision-makers when they need them. Our policy experts regularly advise heads of state, brief cabinet ministers, support parliamentary committees, and present at major international policy forums.
| Policy Domain |
Key Focus Areas |
Recent Projects |
Impact Metrics |
| National Development Strategy |
Long-term vision, growth strategies,
structural transformation, industrialization,
economic diversification |
National development plans for 8 countries;
Vision 2040/2050 strategies;
sector prioritization frameworks |
8 national strategies
adopted |
Poverty Reduction
& Social Protection |
Poverty analysis, social safety nets,
cash transfers, targeting mechanisms,
graduation programs, social insurance |
Poverty reduction strategies for 12 countries;
social protection programs reaching people; targeting system design |
Nunc vestibulum ipsum eu |
Agricultural
& Rural Development Policy |
Agricultural strategy, rural development,
land policy, irrigation,
extension services, value chains, food security |
Agricultural policies for countries;
rural development strategies;
land reform programs benefiting farmers |
farmers;Â agricultural GDP increase |
Climate Change
& Environmental Policy |
Climate adaptation,
mitigation strategies,
NDC development, green growth,
environmental management, disaster risk reduction |
Climate adaptation plans for
countries protecting people;
NDC development; green growth strategies |
people protected; 12 fish stocks restored |
Governance
& Public Sector Reform |
Civil service reform,
public financial management,
anti-corruption, decentralization,
e-government, service delivery |
Governance reforms in 16 countries;
civil service modernization;
PFM systems; anti-corruption strategies |
itizens; 32% service improvement |
Education & Skills
Policy |
Education strategy, curriculum reform,
teacher policy, skills development, TVET,
higher education, lifelong learning |
Education sector plans for 11 countries;
skills strategies; TVET reforms; teacher policy frameworks |
11 education strategies; 180K trained |
| Health Policy & Systems |
Health sector strategy, universal health coverage,
health financing, primary health care,
disease control, health workforce |
Health sector strategies for 9 countries;
UHC roadmaps; health financing reforms;
PHC strengthening |
9 health strategies; 12M coverage expansion |
| Digital Transformation & Innovation Policy |
Digital economy strategy,
broadband policy, e-government,
digital skills, innovation systems, startup ecosystems |
Digital transformation
strategies for 13 countries;
broadband plans; innovation policy frameworks |
13 digital strategies adopted |
Latest Policy Analysis & Strategic Frameworks
TANGO policy experts produce comprehensive policy analysis, strategic frameworks, and implementation guides that shape government priorities and international development agendas. Our policy work combines rigorous analysis with political insight and practical implementation guidance. Below are recent highlights from our Policy Analysis & Design practice—representing the breadth and depth of our capabilities.
All publications are available for download. We also offer customized policy briefings, strategy workshops, and implementation support for governments and organizations interested in applying our frameworks.
Our publication portfolio includes national development strategies, sector policy frameworks, policy briefs, implementation guides, and monitoring frameworks. We prioritize clarity and actionability—translating complex analysis into clear strategic direction and concrete implementation steps.
This comprehensive framework provides a template for countries developing long-term national development strategies. Based on analysis of 50+ national development plans and TANGO’s experience designing strategies for 8 countries, this framework outlines the analytical process, strategic choices, and implementation architecture required for successful long-term development planning.
Strategic Framework Components:
1. Situational Analysis
- Economic structure and growth diagnostics
- Poverty and inequality analysis
- Human development assessment
- Infrastructure and connectivity gaps
- Institutional capacity evaluation
- Political economy analysis
2. Vision & Strategic Objectives
- Long-term vision (20-25 years)
- Strategic pillars (typically 4-6)
- Measurable targets and indicators
- Theory of change
3. Strategic Priorities
- Growth acceleration and structural transformation
- Human capital development
- Infrastructure and connectivity
- Governance and institutions
- Environmental sustainability
- Regional integration
4. Sector Strategies
- Agriculture and rural development
- Industry and manufacturing
- Services and digital economy
- Energy and infrastructure
- Education and skills
- Health and social protection
- Environment and climate
5. Implementation Architecture
- Institutional arrangements
- Financing strategy
- Monitoring and evaluation framework
- Risk management
- Stakeholder engagement
Key Policy Recommendations:
Growth Strategy:
- Identify 3-5 priority sectors with comparative advantage and growth potential
- Invest in enabling infrastructure (transport, energy, digital)
- Improve business environment and investment climate
- Develop skills aligned with priority sectors
- Promote innovation and technology adoption
Inclusion Strategy:
- Expand social protection coverage
- Invest in rural development and smallholder agriculture
- Ensure equitable access to quality education and health
- Promote women’s economic empowerment
- Address regional disparities
Sustainability Strategy:
- Integrate climate adaptation across all sectors
- Promote green growth and circular economy
- Strengthen environmental governance
- Invest in renewable energy
- Build disaster resilience
Implementation Success Factors:
- Strong political commitment at highest level
- Effective coordination mechanisms
- Adequate financing (domestic resource mobilization + external support)
- Robust monitoring and evaluation
- Broad stakeholder ownership
- Adaptive management
Climate change poses existential threats to developing countries—threatening food security, water resources, coastal communities, and economic development. This comprehensive policy framework guides governments in developing and implementing effective climate adaptation strategies. Based on TANGO’s work designing adaptation plans for 18 countries protecting 15 million people.
Climate Adaptation Policy Framework:
1. Climate Risk Assessment
- Climate projections and scenarios
- Vulnerability assessment by sector and region
- Impact analysis (economic, social, environmental)
- Identification of adaptation priorities
2. Adaptation Strategy
- Vision and objectives
- Priority sectors and interventions
- Mainstreaming adaptation across government
- Community-based adaptation
- Ecosystem-based adaptation
- Infrastructure resilience
3. Priority Interventions by Sector:
Agriculture & Food Security:
- Drought-resistant crop varieties
- Improved water management and irrigation
- Climate information services for farmers
- Crop insurance and risk management
- Diversification of livelihoods
Water Resources:
- Integrated water resource management
- Water storage and conservation
- Groundwater management
- Water-efficient technologies
- Drought preparedness
Coastal Zones:
- Coastal protection infrastructure
- Mangrove restoration
- Managed retreat from high-risk areas
- Early warning systems
- Fisheries adaptation
Infrastructure:
- Climate-resilient design standards
- Retrofitting critical infrastructure
- Green infrastructure solutions
- Transport network resilience
- Energy system adaptation
Health:
- Disease surveillance and early warning
- Health system strengthening
- Vector control programs
- Heat action plans
- Water and sanitation
4. Financing Strategy
- Domestic budget allocation
- Climate finance mobilization (GCF, Adaptation Fund)
- Private sector engagement
- Insurance and risk transfer
- Cost-benefit analysis of interventions
5. Implementation Architecture
- Institutional coordination mechanisms
- Capacity building programs
- Monitoring and evaluation framework
- Knowledge management
- Stakeholder engagement
Key Policy Recommendations:
- Mainstream adaptation: Integrate climate considerations into all sector policies and budgets
- Prioritize vulnerable populations: Focus on smallholder farmers, coastal communities, urban poor
- Invest in early warning systems: Cost-benefit ratios of 1:10 or better
- Promote ecosystem-based adaptation: Nature-based solutions deliver multiple benefits
- Build local capacity: Community-based adaptation is essential for sustainability
- Leverage climate finance: Access international climate funds to supplement domestic resources
Proven Results:
Countries implementing this framework have achieved:
- 40% reduction in climate-related losses
- 15 million people protected from climate impacts
- $1.2 billion in avoided damages
- 12 fish stocks restored through adaptive management
- 2.3 million farmers adopting climate-smart practices
Effective social protection systems protect vulnerable populations, reduce poverty and inequality, build human capital, and enhance economic resilience. This comprehensive policy framework guides governments in designing and implementing social protection systems. Based on TANGO’s work designing programs that have reached 8.7 million people across 12 countries.
Social Protection Policy Framework:
1. Situational Analysis
- Poverty and vulnerability analysis
- Existing social protection landscape
- Coverage gaps and exclusion errors
- Fiscal space assessment
- Institutional capacity evaluation
2. Social Protection Strategy
- Vision and objectives
- Target populations
- Program portfolio
- Financing strategy
- Implementation roadmap
3. Program Design:
Social Assistance (Non-Contributory):
Cash Transfer Programs:
- Unconditional cash transfers for extreme poor
- Conditional cash transfers (education, health conditions)
- Child grants
- Old-age social pensions
- Disability benefits
Design Considerations:
- Targeting mechanisms (PMT, categorical, community-based, universal)
- Benefit levels (poverty gap, consumption floor)
- Conditionalities (when appropriate)
- Payment systems (mobile money, banks, post offices)
- Grievance mechanisms
In-Kind Transfers:
- School feeding programs
- Food assistance
- Housing subsidies
- Fee waivers (health, education)
Public Works Programs:
- Labor-intensive public works
- Productive asset creation
- Skills development
- Graduation pathways
Social Insurance (Contributory):
- Pension systems
- Health insurance
- Unemployment insurance
- Maternity benefits
- Disability insurance
Labor Market Programs:
- Job search assistance
- Skills training
- Wage subsidies
- Entrepreneurship support
4. Enabling Systems:
Targeting & Registration:
- Social registry
- Targeting methodology
- Dynamic updating
- Grievance and appeals
Payment Systems:
- Digital payment infrastructure
- Financial inclusion
- Payment service providers
- Reconciliation and audit
Management Information Systems:
- Integrated MIS
- Interoperability with other systems
- Data security and privacy
- Real-time monitoring
5. Financing Strategy:
- Fiscal space analysis
- Domestic resource mobilization
- Development partner support
- Efficiency improvements
- Sustainability planning
6. Governance & Institutions:
- Institutional arrangements
- Coordination mechanisms
- Capacity building
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Grievance redress
Key Policy Recommendations:
- Start with core programs: Focus on 2-3 core programs before expanding
- Invest in systems: Targeting, payment, and MIS systems are critical
- Ensure adequate benefit levels: Benefits must be sufficient to impact poverty
- Minimize exclusion errors: Better to include some non-poor than exclude the poor
- Leverage technology: Mobile money and digital ID dramatically reduce costs
- Build adaptive capacity: Systems must respond to shocks (COVID, climate, economic)
- Ensure fiscal sustainability: Design programs within long-term fiscal constraints
Proven Results:
Programs designed using this framework have achieved:
- 8.7 million people reached
- 34% average poverty reduction among beneficiaries
- 95% targeting accuracy
- 18% increase in school enrollment
- 23% increase in health service utilization
- 40% reduction in child malnutrition
Digital technologies are transforming economies, creating new opportunities for growth, innovation, and inclusion—but also new challenges and risks. This comprehensive framework guides governments in developing and implementing digital transformation strategies. Based on TANGO’s work designing digital strategies for 13 countries.
Digital Transformation Strategy Framework:
1. Digital Economy Assessment
- Digital infrastructure (broadband, mobile, data centers)
- Digital skills and literacy
- Digital entrepreneurship ecosystem
- E-government maturity
- Digital trade and services
- Regulatory environment
- Cybersecurity readiness
2. Vision & Strategic Objectives
- Long-term digital vision
- Strategic pillars (typically 5-7)
- Measurable targets
- International benchmarking
3. Strategic Pillars:
Pillar 1: Digital Infrastructure
- Broadband expansion (fiber, 5G)
- Data center development
- Cloud infrastructure
- Internet exchange points
- Universal access programs
Pillar 2: Digital Skills & Inclusion
- Digital literacy programs
- ICT education in schools
- Advanced digital skills (coding, data science, AI)
- Digital inclusion for marginalized groups
- Lifelong learning platforms
Pillar 3: Digital Government
- E-government services
- Digital ID systems
- Government data platforms
- Interoperability standards
- Cybersecurity for government
Pillar 4: Digital Economy & Innovation
- Startup ecosystem development
- Innovation hubs and accelerators
- Access to finance for digital startups
- Digital trade facilitation
- Platform economy regulation
Pillar 5: Digital Transformation of Traditional Sectors
- Agriculture (precision agriculture, market platforms)
- Manufacturing (Industry 4.0)
- Services (fintech, edtech, healthtech)
- Logistics (digital platforms)
- Tourism (digital marketing, booking platforms)
Pillar 6: Regulatory Framework
- Data protection and privacy
- Cybersecurity regulation
- Digital competition policy
- Platform regulation
- Digital taxation
- Consumer protection
Pillar 7: Cybersecurity & Trust
- National cybersecurity strategy
- Critical infrastructure protection
- Incident response capabilities
- Cybersecurity skills development
- International cooperation
4. Implementation Roadmap
- Quick wins (0-12 months)
- Medium-term priorities (1-3 years)
- Long-term transformation (3-10 years)
- Institutional arrangements
- Financing strategy
- Monitoring framework
Key Policy Recommendations:
- Prioritize infrastructure: Universal, affordable broadband is foundation
- Invest in skills: Digital skills are critical for inclusion and competitiveness
- Lead by example: Government digital transformation demonstrates commitment
- Enable innovation: Regulatory sandboxes, startup support, access to finance
- Ensure trust: Data protection and cybersecurity are essential
- Promote competition: Prevent digital monopolies, ensure interoperability
- Think regional: Coordinate with neighbors on infrastructure, regulation, skills
Proven Results:
Countries implementing this framework have achieved:
- 13 digital transformation strategies adopted
- 45% increase in broadband penetration
- 67% of government services digitized
- 340 digital startups supported
- $2.3 billion in digital economy investment
- 180,000 people trained in digital skills
.
Industrial policy is back on the agenda worldwide as countries seek to accelerate structural transformation, build strategic capabilities, and enhance economic resilience. This comprehensive framework guides governments in designing and implementing effective industrial policies. Based on TANGO’s work designing industrial strategies for 10 countries that have attracted $34 billion in investment.
Industrial Policy Framework:
1. Growth Diagnostics & Sector Analysis
- Binding constraints to growth
- Comparative advantage analysis
- Value chain analysis
- Global market opportunities
- Domestic capabilities assessment
2. Industrial Strategy
- Vision for structural transformation
- Priority sectors (3-5 sectors)
- Horizontal policies (all sectors)
- Vertical policies (priority sectors)
- Special economic zones
- Regional industrial development
3. Policy Instruments:
Horizontal Policies (All Sectors):
- Business environment reforms
- Infrastructure investment
- Skills development
- Innovation systems
- Access to finance
- Trade facilitation
Vertical Policies (Priority Sectors):
- Sector-specific incentives
- Targeted infrastructure
- Specialized skills programs
- Technology transfer support
- Market development assistance
- Supplier development programs
Investment Promotion:
- FDI attraction strategy
- Investment incentives
- One-stop investment services
- Investor aftercare
- Linkages programs (connecting FDI to local firms)
Special Economic Zones:
- SEZ strategy and site selection
- Regulatory framework
- Infrastructure development
- Investor targeting
- Linkages to domestic economy
4. Sector Selection Criteria:
- Growth potential (domestic and export markets)
- Comparative advantage (existing or latent)
- Spillover effects (technology, skills, linkages)
- Employment generation
- Environmental sustainability
- Strategic importance
5. Implementation Architecture:
- Institutional arrangements (industrial development agency)
- Public-private dialogue mechanisms
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Sunset clauses and performance requirements
- Coordination across government
Key Policy Recommendations:
- Be selective: Focus on 3-5 priority sectors, not dozens
- Combine horizontal and vertical: Horizontal policies benefit all, vertical policies accelerate priority sectors
- Embed performance requirements: Subsidies must be tied to outcomes
- Build on existing capabilities: Identify latent comparative advantages
- Promote linkages: Connect FDI to domestic firms
- Invest in skills: Sector-specific skills are critical
- Ensure policy coherence: Align trade, investment, education, infrastructure policies
- Monitor and adapt: Regular evaluation and willingness to exit failing interventions
Proven Results:
Countries implementing this framework have achieved:
- $34 billion in FDI attracted
- 28% average export growth in priority sectors
- $8.5 billion in manufacturing investment
- 145,000 jobs created in priority sectors
- 340 local firms integrated into global value chains
- 23% productivity growth in priority sectors
These publications represent just a sample of TANGO’s policy analysis portfolio. We produce 120+ policy outputs annually, covering the full spectrum of public policy challenges. All publications are available in our policy library, and we offer customized policy briefings for governments and organizations.
Distinguished Policy Experts Delivering Transformational Results
TANGO’s Policy Analysis & Design practice brings together 50+ policy experts with deep expertise across all major policy domains. Our team includes former cabinet ministers, senior government officials, World Bank specialists, UN advisors, and leading policy scholars. What unites us is commitment to evidence-based analysis, political realism, and measurable impact.
Our policy experts hold advanced degrees from the world’s top universities and have published extensively. But we’re not ivory tower academics—we’ve designed national development strategies for 8 countries, poverty reduction programs reaching people, agricultural policies benefiting farmers, and governance reforms improving services for citizens.
Our policy experts hold PhDs and master’s degrees from top institutions. We’ve published policy papers and academic articles. We employ rigorous analytical methods—cost-benefit analysis, impact evaluation, microsimulation, scenario planning. Our analysis meets the highest standards..
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Our team includes 12 former cabinet ministers and senior government officials—finance ministers, planning ministers, central bank governors, and permanent secretaries. We understand how government actually works and what makes policies implementable. This real-world experience makes our recommendations practical, not just theoretically sound.
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We track outcomes: national strategies adopted, people reached by poverty programs, farmers benefiting from agricultural policies, people protected by climate adaptation plans, citizens experiencing improved public services. Our work transforms nations and changes lives.
Read MoreOur policy experts work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with economists, lawyers, financial analysts, and management specialists to deliver comprehensive solutions. This integrated approach ensures our policy analysis accounts for economic realities, legal constraints, financial feasibility, and implementation challenges.
We maintain active partnerships with governments, international organizations, bilateral development agencies, and foundations worldwide. Our policy experts regularly advise heads of state, brief cabinet ministers, support parliamentary committees, and present at major international policy forums including UN General Assembly side events, World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings, and regional policy summits.
Build Your Future With TANGO Policy Expertise
When you work with TANGO Policy Analysis & Design, you gain access to world-class analytical capabilities and deep implementation expertise. Our policy experts have designed national development strategies for 8 countries, poverty reduction programs reaching 8.7 million people, agricultural policies benefiting 2.3 million farmers, climate adaptation plans protecting 15 million people, and governance reforms improving services for 45 million citizens.
We don’t just deliver policy reports—we partner with you throughout the policy process, from initial analysis through strategy design, stakeholder consultation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation. Our experts work alongside your teams, building local capacity and ensuring reforms succeed.
Whether you’re designing a national development strategy, reforming social protection, developing climate adaptation plans, or modernizing public services—TANGO provides the analytical rigor, political insight, and implementation support you need.
Our commitment to evidence-based analysis, political realism, and measurable impact has made TANGO Policy Analysis & Design a trusted partner to governments, international organizations, and development agencies worldwide. We follow the evidence, understand political constraints, and measure success by real-world outcomes.
