Delegates and special guests from over 14 countries pose for a group photo after an inspiring E2A 2026 opening session held on 24 June at ISSER.
The 2026 Evidence to Action (E2A) Conference opened with strong commendation for the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), the International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED), and partners for sustaining a platform that strengthens the connection between evidence, policy and action across Africa. Held under the theme “Reimagining the Evidence-Informed Policy and Decision-Making Ecosystem in Africa,” and hosted for the third consecutive year at the ISSER Conference Facility at the University of Ghana, the conference brought together delegates and special guests from over 14 African countries to explore how evidence can better inform governance and development across the continent.
Host University reaffirms commitment to impactful research and partnerships
Welcoming participants on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, described the conference as a timely platform for addressing one of Africa's enduring development challenges: translating research into policies and actions that improve lives.
A former Director of ISSER, Prof. Asante observed that the conference aligns closely with the University's strategic priorities of Impactful Research and Engagement and Partnerships, highlighting the collaboration between ISSER, ICED and the other E2A partners as a model of purposeful partnership for strengthening Africa's evidence ecosystem.
Invoking the Ghanaian proverb that "wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one person can embrace it alone," he called for collective action among researchers, policymakers and development actors to build a stronger evidence-informed policy ecosystem.
ISSER reaffirms its policy engagement mandate
The Director of ISSER, Prof. Robert Darko Osei, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the Institute's commitment to producing rigorous, policy-relevant research that contributes to national and continental development.
He noted that hosting E2A for a third consecutive year was a responsibility ISSER does not take lightly, describing the conference as a natural extension of the Institute's mandate to generate high-quality social science research and promote its translation into policy and practice. He also expressed appreciation to ICED, PASGR, REC and all partners whose collaboration continues to sustain the conference.
Building a continental movement for evidence-informed policy and practice
Providing context for the conference, the President of the International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED), Dr. David Ameyaw, reflected on the evolution of E2A into a continental platform that brings together governments, researchers, evaluators and development practitioners to strengthen evidence-informed policymaking. "If you are here, you are part of a journey. You are part of a movement. You are part of shaping evidence-informed policy and practice in Africa," he said.
African leaders reaffirm commitment to evidence-informed development
The opening ceremony featured goodwill messages from representatives of Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, Cameroon, Tanzania and The Gambia, including parliamentary leaders and government spokespersons. Collectively, they underscored the importance of credible evidence in strengthening governance, enhancing public trust and driving sustainable development across Africa. The speakers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration to ensure that evidence remains central to policymaking and implementation.
Chief of staff calls for stronger evidence-informed governance
The Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, addressed the opening session through remarks delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Government Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim. Reaffirming government's commitment to evidence-informed governance, the statement acknowledged that while evidence is critical to policymaking, it often competes with political, institutional and practical considerations in public decision-making.
The Chief of Staff identified timing, translation and trust as the three key barriers to effective evidence use in government. He highlighted the current administration's Delivery Unit as part of efforts to strengthen policy delivery through real-time monitoring and feedback, and called on research institutions to produce timely, accessible and policy-responsive evidence. He also reaffirmed government's commitment to deeper partnerships with institutions such as ISSER and ICED to strengthen evidence use across the public sector.
Parliament calls for stronger evidence-informed governance
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, the First Deputy Speaker and Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, commended ISSER, ICED and their partners for convening E2A as a platform for translating knowledge and research into decisions that improve lives. He noted that bridging the gap between evidence and implementation requires stronger collaboration among researchers, policymakers, parliamentarians and development practitioners.
He further underscored Parliament's role as a custodian of evidence-informed governance, stressing that evidence must be rigorous, relevant, timely, accessible and trusted to shape effective public policy. He urged participants to strengthen the links between evidence and policymaking and foster partnerships that extend beyond the conference before officially declaring E2A 2026 open.
About the Conference
The 2026 edition of the Evidence to Action Conference (E2A), the ninth edition, was jointly convened by ISSER, ICED, Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR), the Research and Evaluation Center (REC), and other partners. The conference opened with two days of pre-conference workshops and side events before moving into three days of plenary sessions, technical presentations, exhibitions and interactive breakout labs focused on government systems, financing and investment, civil society implementation, research and policy innovation, and private sector decision-making. E2A2026 was held from 22–26 June at the ISSER Conference Facility, University of Ghana.
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