Since the middle of the 1990s, GRIP has been developing considerable expertise on the conflicts in Africa and more specifically in the Great Lakes region and West Africa. Several research areas co-exist and merge today ranging from conflict prevention and consolidation of peace to reform of the security sector and proliferation of light arms in Africa.

GRIP also provides monitoring of certain situations, general analyses and specific expertise. It has a wide network of external experts and many contacts in international, regional and sub-regional organisations that are active in Africa. It has also developed an active partnership with Sub-Saharan civil society.