The 34th Annual Meeting of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) Board of Governors brought together African senior officials, diplomats, policymakers, and development partners in Addis Ababa on Tuesday to deliberate on how stronger fiscal management and institutional systems can accelerate the continent’s transformation.
The Meeting took place ahead of the 11th Africa Think Tank Summit, reinforcing the momentum for dialogue on Africa’s development priorities and policy innovation.
Held under the theme “From Taxation to Action: Bridging Policy and Implementation in Public Financial Management in Africa,” the meeting highlighted the urgency of mobilizing domestic resources to fund Africa’s priorities amid tightening global financing conditions.
Welcoming participants, H.E. Ahmed Shide, Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, commended ACBF’s enduring contribution to Africa’s development over the past three decades.
“A financially sound ACBF will be better placed to deliver on its mandate, expand its reach, and enhance Africa’s competitiveness,” he said.
He urged fellow Governors to renew their commitment to the Foundation and to ensure its strategy delivers tangible impact across member states.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Mohamed Beavogui, Chair of the ACBF Executive Board, highlighted the Foundation’s achievements in strengthening partnerships, improving governance, and launching transformative initiatives such as the UBORA Academy.
“With UBORA, we are building institutions that are agile, high-performing, and fit for purpose,” Beavogui said. “Africa’s progress depends on unity, shared purpose, and the capacity to turn challenges into opportunities.”
A highlight of the day was a knowledge-sharing session focused on “Sustaining Health Financing through Domestic Resource Mobilization.”
Experts including, Professor Corne Van Walbeek of the University of Cape Town and Dr. William Kiberenge Maina from the World Health Organization explored how health taxes can serve as an innovative fiscal tool to strengthen public health financing while supporting economic resilience.
The session sparked dynamic dialogue among participants, linking fiscal policy to broader social outcomes.
Mr. Mamadou Biteye, ACBF Executive Secretary, presented the Foundation’s Annual Report for FY2024 and reaffirmed ACBF’s dedication to helping member states implement reforms that strengthen governance and financial management.
During the statutory session, Governors reviewed ACBF’s financial performance and discussed new financing models.
Governors reaffirmed their collective commitment to sustaining ACBF’s strategic direction, ensuring financial sustainability, and promoting knowledge-driven development.
The deliberations in Addis Ababa reinforced ACBF’s role as Africa’s trusted partner in building resilient institutions and advancing homegrown solutions for the continent’s growth.
ACBF’s development partners also took part in the event, demonstrating their continued support for Africa’s capacity-building agenda. Representatives from the African Development Bank, Afreximbank, the African Union Commission, BADEA, GIZ, UNDP, and UNECA joined the discussions, reaffirming their commitment to advancing fiscal reform, institutional strengthening, and sustainable development across the continent.
