Africa is preparing to experience a historic moment. From September 30 to October 2, 2025, Cotonou will host the most significant convergence of the continental evidence-to-policy ecosystem. The Evidence Series makes a groundbreaking shift in Africa’s development landscape by breaking new ground as the continent’s inaugural Francophone host country, thus breaking down linguistic barriers and transforming and redefining the continent’s development trajectory.

What is Evidence 2025, and why is it strategic?

Evidence 2025 results from the strategic partnership between the Africa Evidence Network (AEN) and the African Center for Equitable Development (ACED), two reference institutions in the continental evidence ecosystem. The AEN now brings together more than 5,000 professionals engaged in promoting evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) to reduce poverty and inequality in Africa.

The mission of this pan-African organisation aims to transform African governance mechanisms by systematically integrating evidence into public policy development.

This 2025 edition marks a historic breakthrough: for the first time in over a decade, the event becomes bilingual. It establishes itself in Francophone Africa, thus concretising the vision of a truly inclusive EIDM ecosystem on a continental scale.

Who participates in Evidence 2025?

What do a Senegalese Finance Minister, a Kenyan development economics researcher, and a Nigerian civil society activist have in common? At first glance, distinct profiles, but what unites them is their shared commitment to improving African public policies through the use of evidence.

One of the unique features of Evidence 2025 lies in the exceptional diversity of its participants. The event brings together government decision-makers from 40 African countries, researchers from 120 continental academic institutions, practitioners from 200 development organisations, representatives from 50 international donors, and civil society leaders from across the continent.

This unprecedented convergence generates unique access to decision-makers who shape African public policies. The “Africa Talks” sessions offer a democratic platform where each participant has five minutes to share their innovations, thus creating a forum of equal expression between established leaders and emerging leaders.

The initiative dedicated to young professionals constitutes a talent pipeline for the new African generation, equipped with the most recent EIDM methodologies.

Why participate in Evidence 2025?

Evidence 2025 is a pivotal event that unites the Pan-African community to revolutionise EIDM across the continent. By participating in this event, you’ll be part of a dynamic community shaping Africa’s future. This three-day event promises to spark meaningful connections, inspire new insights, and drive transformative change in Africa’s EIDM ecosystem, ultimately reducing poverty and inequality in Africa.

Beyond the plenary sessions to be held at the Golden Tulip in Cotonou, the event offers “innovation showcases” where organisations and countries present their cutting-edge methodologies and attract strategic partnerships. Collaboration spaces facilitate bilateral meetings and the emergence of new continental projects. This programmatic architecture transforms Evidence 2025 into a laboratory of policy innovations where African best practices are spread and adapted to specific national contexts.

Evidence 2025 provides an opportunity to engage with peers, empower emerging leaders, and celebrate evidence champions. You’ll explore shared lessons, innovative practices, and expert discussions on EIDM, focusing on themes like youth, gender, equity, and AI. The event features leadership discussions, training sessions on evidence synthesis and knowledge translation, and showcases of cutting-edge EIDM methods and practices. With a focus on promoting equity and empowering youth in EIDM, this event is a chance to drive transformative change in Africa.

Transforming Africa through Evidence

Evidence 2025 goes beyond the framework of theoretical discussions to generate measurable impacts. Previous editions of the Evidence Series by the AEN have achieved several concrete results, including the development of evidence-informed policies and programmes in sectors like education, health, and economic development. Through capacity-development initiatives, the Network has equipped African researchers, policymakers, and practitioners with skills in evidence synthesis and knowledge translation. For instance, the Africa Evidence Youth League (AEYL) nurtures and empowers emerging evidence leaders across Africa, amplifying their voices and promoting youth involvement in EIDM.

The Network’s efforts have also facilitated networking and collaboration among stakeholders, establishing several communities of practice that support EIDM in Africa. By partnering with organisations and governments, the AEN promotes the use of evidence in decision-making, driving positive change and development across the continent. These initiatives have positioned the network as a key player in fostering African EIDM, addressing complex challenges and building a new generation of leaders. This 2025 edition aims to take a new step by establishing the continental standards that will guide African governance for the next decade.

Africa’s Evidence Revolution

Evidence 2025 represents more than a sectoral event: it is the symbol of an Africa that assumes its intellectual and methodological leadership. In a context where data quality becomes a crucial differentiating factor for access to international funding, this participation positions your organisation at the forefront of continental transformation. The hybrid format (in-person and virtual) guarantees maximum accessibility, allowing participation by geographically constrained professionals while preserving interaction quality through advanced collaborative tools. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of a dynamic community shaping Africa’s future.

Get ready for an immersive online experience at Evidence 2025. The virtual programme promises to be an exciting showcase of innovative ideas, research, and expertise in EIDM. Over the three days, you’ll have access to live streams of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and plenary sessions, as well as interactive online slots featuring presentations and posters on themes such as youth, gender, equity, AI, and transformative research. Engage with speakers and participants through live Q&A sessions, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the EIDM sector.

About the authors: 

Qetsia Houessou Fayomi is the Communications & Partnerships Manager of the African Center for Equitable Development (ACED). She is an accomplished Communication Manager with 7 years of experience in various sectors, including education, technology, media, and gaming. A creative and versatile professional, she has developed a diverse set of operational skills combined with a strategic vision. Qetsia is comfortable with public speaking, media appearances, and advocacy. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication from the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium, where she gained expertise in communication challenges, mastered media and digital strategies, and learned to develop communication projects adapted to different contexts. Qetsia also holds a Master’s in Environment and Development Studies from the same university. With her empathy, adaptability, and teaching skills, she excels in community management and public relations. She is proficient in project management, digital communication strategies, engaging content creation, and brand image enhancement across platforms. Recognised for her team spirit, Qetsia is a valuable asset to any organisation seeking a dynamic and well-rounded communication professional.

 Charity Chisoro is a dedicated advocate for evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) and capacity development, leading the Africa Evidence Network‘s efforts to enhance evidence capacities across Africa. With a strong academic background in Development Studies and Social Impact Assessment, Charity leverages over 5 years of experience in strategic communications to drive social impact. As a passionate educator and mentor, Charity empowers learners and professionals alike while pursuing a PhD in Development Studies. Charity is committed to collaborating with like-minded individuals to foster positive change and advance evidence-driven practices.

Acknowledgements: The authors are solely responsible for the content of this article, including all errors or omissions; acknowledgements do not imply endorsement of the content.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in published blog posts, as well as any errors or omissions, are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not represent the views of the Africa Evidence Network, its secretariat, advisory or reference groups, or its funders; nor does it imply endorsement by the afore-mentioned parties.

Suggested citation: Houessou Q & Chisoro C (2025) Evidence 2025: Cotonou, a Francophone capital, becomes the continental EIDM epicentre. Blog posting on 19 September 2025. Available at: https://africaevidencenetwork.org/evidence-2025-cotonou-a-francophone-capital-becomes-the-continental-eidm-epicentre/2025/09/19/