A Landmark Moment in Cotonou

From September 30 to October 2, 2025, the city of Cotonou hosted a ground-breaking event that will redefine the landscape of evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) in Africa. Evidence 2025, an event co-organised by the Africa Evidence Network (AEN) and the African Center for Equitable Development (ACED), brought together over 350 participants, including more than 250 in-person attendees and 100 virtual participants from over 40 African countries. This monumental gathering marked a significant milestone in the continent’s EIDM ecosystem, showcasing the power of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and youth leadership in shaping the future of Africa.

Breaking Down Barriers and Building Bridges

A notable highlight of Evidence 2025 was its strong emphasis on inclusivity, demonstrated by the participation of over 50 youth delegates and a dedicated Latin American delegation that facilitated South-South collaboration. The event was designed from a record 150+ content submissions, making it the largest and most inclusive gathering of its kind. For the first time since 2014, the event was conducted entirely in French and English, a decisive step toward creating a truly Pan-African EIDM ecosystem. This bilingual approach not only facilitated communication among participants but also ensured that language barriers did not hinder the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

A Journey of Transformation: Three Days of Insights and Innovation

The three-day Evidence 2025 event was an impactful experience, filled with insightful discussions and innovative ideas that left attendees inspired and motivated. Each day was a masterclass in its own right, addressing pressing issues and highlighting innovative solutions.

Day One: Setting the Stage for Change
The first day set the tone for a transformative journey, with a leadership panel exploring the critical role of African data infrastructure, governance, and EIDM in shaping policy design. The panellists emphasised the need for robust data systems that can support informed decision-making and drive development in Africa. The gala dinner was a vibrant celebration of Beninese culture, with the 10 Africa Evidence Leadership Award winners taking centre stage to receive recognition for their outstanding contributions to the field of EIDM.

Day Two: Innovating for Impact
The second day emphasised innovative approaches to EIDM, featuring the Rapid Evidence Synthesis Platform and discussions on youth-led initiatives, capacity development, and rethinking traditional policy briefs. The highlight of the evening was the launch of the Youth League Manifesto, presented by incoming Chair Penka Marthe Bogne, and Andile Madonsela’s reflections on the first two years of the Africa Evidence Youth League.

Day Three: Valuing Evidence and Leadership
The final day of the event emphasised the importance of valuing evidence through gender, youth, and equity lenses. The closing ceremony unveiled the new AEN Council of Chairs, led by Dr. Rhona Mijumbi. It paid tribute to Siziwe Ngcwabe’s exceptional eight-year leadership of the AEN, marked by outstanding achievements. This milestone marked a new chapter in the organisation’s journey, with a renewed focus on promoting EIDM in Africa.

An Unforgettable Beninese Experience

“This is the first conference where I truly felt the soul of the host country,” remarked one participant. Evidence 2025 transcended typical conferences through immersive experiences: locally designed kits, “Benin, a World of Splendours” screening, Pepit’art performances, a bicycle tour through Cotonou, historical exploration in Ouidah, and the vibrant energy of Dantokpa Market. Beninese hospitality and infrastructure quality confirmed the continent’s capacity to organise world-class gatherings.

The Future is in Our Hands

The impact of Evidence 2025 was profound, with participants remarking on the immersive experiences that went beyond the typical conference format. The Innovation Hub showcased African solutions addressing continental challenges, while the EIDM Capacity Development Manifesto proposed a collective vision for strengthening capacities through knowledge sharing and collaboration. Complete bilingualism transformed exchanges across the continent, generating significantly increased francophone participation and opening new perspectives for cross-border collaboration.

A Call to Action: Shaping Africa’s Future Together

As participants reflected on the key takeaways from the event, several themes emerged. The power of collaboration and knowledge sharing was a recurring theme, with speakers emphasising the need to “listen across silos” and “bridge the divide” in the EIDM sector. Rethinking traditional approaches to knowledge translation was another key takeaway, with a focus on effective knowledge translation that understands stakeholders, contextualises recommendations, and supports implementation. Empowering youth and fostering leadership were also highlighted as critical to shaping the future of evidence-informed Africa.

The event highlighted the critical role that youth can play in driving change in Africa. By investing in young leaders and providing them with the necessary tools and resources, we can ensure that the next generation of policymakers and practitioners is equipped to drive meaningful change. The Youth League Manifesto presented at the event outlined a clear vision for the future of EIDM in Africa, emphasising the need for youth-led initiatives and inclusive decision-making processes.

The Way Forward: Collective Action for a Brighter Future

The way forward is clear: our collective efforts should focus on fostering impactful knowledge translation, promoting collaboration, and empowering youth to drive meaningful change in Africa. We must prioritise citizen engagement, ensure the collection of relevant evidence, and address power imbalances to create a future where evidence informs decision-making. As Siziwe Ngcwabe so eloquently put it, “Collaboration is key: together let’s make EIDM a reality.” This requires a commitment to working together, sharing knowledge, and leveraging our collective expertise to drive meaningful change.

Transforming Africa’s Tomorrow
As Evidence 2025 concludes, we’re reminded that collective action, knowledge sharing, and youth empowerment are the keys to transforming Africa’s future. With the countdown to Evidence 2027 underway, let’s harness the power of evidence to drive informed decision-making and unlock Africa’s full potential. The future we want is built on the decisions we make today – let’s continue to work together, leveraging our collective expertise to shape a brighter, more prosperous Africa for all.

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 developed communication projects tailored to various 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 enhancing brand image across various 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) Redefining EIDM in Africa: Reflections and Resolutions from Evidence 2025. Blog posting on 20 October 2025. Available at: https://africaevidencenetwork.org/redefining-eidm-in-africa-reflections-and-resolutions-from-evidence-2025/2025/10/20/