The Strategic Plan for 2008 - 2011 focuses on key thematic areas in line with MKUKUTA and MKUZA. Through research, the Foundation will focus on growth and wealth creation, governance, regional integration, social services and the quality of life. The Foundation will put a higher thrust on capacity development both for its staff and stakeholders through training and exchanges. It will also include the general public, private sector and civil society organisations in its training initiatives. Additionally, the strategy aims to improve and broaden dissemination outreach by capacitating the media to disseminate information to the grass roots stakeholder thereby giving them a voice.

ESRF will continue to publish various research outputs and circulate them widely for information outreach through print and electronic media. It will continue to better its services in the Information Centre and network with other institutions in Africa and the world in ensuring that resource material for general knowledge and research is available to its stakeholders