As Africa looks to shape its own future through homegrown solutions, leaders say the power of knowledge will take a leading role at the 11th Africa Think Tank Summit, set for October 7 to 10 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The summit is convened by the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) in partnership with the African Union Commission and co-organized with the Ministry of Finance of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia.
At a virtual press briefing Thursday, organizers framed the upcoming gathering as a critical opportunity to transform ideas into action.
“This century, knowledge is power. In the 21st century, knowledge is the new oil,” said H.E. Zadig Abreha, president of the African Leadership Excellence Academy.
“Whoever shapes the narrative shapes policy. Africa must build its own narrative infrastructure and set a global agenda, not just follow it,” he said.
More than 300 participants from over 50 countries are expected to attend, according to organizers.
This year’s theme, “From Taxation to Action: Bridging Policy and Implementation in Public Financial Management in Africa,” reflects a continental urgency to close the persistent gap between public financial policies and their real-world impact.
ACBF’s Executive Secretary, Mamadou Biteye, said the event will serve as a platform to bridge the gap between research and results.
“This summit brings together think tanks, policymakers and civil society to ensure research is driven by what governments actually need,” Biteye said.
“When research responds to demand, you increase the chances of someone acting on it,” he said.
He added that think tanks can no longer operate in silos. “They must connect with the public sector, private sector and communities. This collaboration ensures that insights are not just produced but also used,” he said.
Topics on the agenda include strengthening domestic tax systems, enhancing accountability and mobilizing financial resources to reduce Africa’s reliance on aid.
“Think tanks help translate complex challenges into policy choices,” said Abreha. “Without strategic foresight and strong institutions, Africa risks being a spectator instead of a shepherd of its own destiny.”
The Africa Think Tank Summit is supported by the World Bank and the Hewlett Foundation, with technical contributions from the Policy Studies Institute, the African Leadership Excellence Academy, AUDA-NEPAD, UNECA and the Africa-Europe Foundation.
The summit will feature the launch of a landmark book on African think tanks, a PFM Hackathon and ministerial dialogues on financing development.
