IERPE contributes to training African students at the Masters level so as to prepare them in advanced empirical research and to ease access to doctoral studies in political economy, applied statistics and political science.

Additionally, the Institute conducts research in several areas pertinent to development. As the coordinator of Francophone countries for the Afrobarometer network, IERPR conducts research, collects data and disseminates information regarding Africans' opinion on democracy, governance, economic reforms, civil society and the quality of standards of living of African people. As a core partner, IERPE coordinated those activities in every francophone country in the network.