This month, we feature a recent reflection from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) on the future of development studies, sparked by joint 60th anniversary celebrations between IDS Sussex and IDS Nairobi at the University of Nairobi.

For our international feature, we highlight the 2026 On Think Tanks Conference, held in Rabat, Morocco, which brought together more than 150 think tank leaders, researchers, and policy influencers from across the globe.

In this month’s blog post, Leandro Echt argues that advancing Open Research in Africa depends on aligning political priorities, incentives, and infrastructure to translate broad commitments into real institutional reform.

We also keep you abreast of the latest EIDM opportunities, academic journal articles, and upcoming evidence events.

We welcome and encourage your contributions to the AEN newsletter and blog! To share your work or interesting stories from your country or organisation on either of these platforms, send an email to info@africaevidencenetwork.org.