The 12th Africa Think Tanks Summit, organized by the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) in partnership with the African Union Commission and the Beninese government, kicks off in Cotonou, Benin, on October 28-30, 2026. The summit brings together over 300 institutions from more than 50 countries to discuss continental development challenges. The event is preceded by the 35th annual meeting of the ACBF Governors' Council, which focuses on strengthening administrative capacities, achievements, and financial sustainability.
The 35th ACBF Governors' Council meeting, held on October 28, 2026, highlights the importance of institutional capacity building and public policies for economic transformation, with a special focus on energy issues. The summit's theme, "From Access to Energy to Economic Transformation: Concrete Public Policy Pathways for Viability, Growth, and Electricity Sector Reform in Africa," underscores the need for effective policies to drive economic growth and development.
Benin's Minister of Economy and Finance, Aristide Mèdénou, emphasizes the crucial role of human resources in successful public policies. He stresses that competent administrations are essential for implementing government initiatives, saying, "no matter how good our initiatives are, without capable administrations to implement them, we won't achieve our expected results." Mèdénou also highlights the importance of knowledge sharing and collective responsibility in sustaining the ACBF.
ACBF Board Chairman, Mohamed Beavogui, views the Governors' Council meeting as a critical accountability forum for member states. The 2025 annual report will showcase the foundation's achievements in leadership, reforms, planning, trade, climate change, energy, and policy harmonization. The ACBF aims to enhance knowledge sharing, partnerships, and dialogue among policymakers on continental priorities.
The ACBF has made significant progress in its efforts to strengthen African capacities, but sustaining financial equilibrium remains a challenge. Beavogui and Mèdénou stress the need for rigorous management and collective ownership to ensure the foundation's long-term viability. The summit provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss and address these challenges.
The Africa Think Tanks Summit serves as a critical platform for experts and policymakers to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in addressing development challenges. With over 300 institutions participating, the event is expected to generate valuable insights and recommendations for driving economic growth and transformation in Africa.
As the summit concludes, participants are expected to adopt key recommendations and resolutions aimed at strengthening African capacities, promoting economic transformation, and ensuring sustainable development. The ACBF, African Union Commission, and Beninese government are committed to supporting the implementation of these recommendations to drive positive change on the continent.
Key points
- Over 300 institutions from more than 50 countries attend the 12th Africa Think Tanks Summit in Cotonou, Benin.
