Gabon leads CAMES 2026 with bold academic transformation plan

Outgoing CAMES president Dr. Diaka Sidibé hands over the torch to incoming president Pr. Charles Edgard Mombo in Libreville on June 19, 2026

Gabon takes charge of CAMES with a vision for academic excellence

The 43rd ordinary session of the Council of Ministers of the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES), held in Libreville from June 15 to 19, 2026, concluded with a historic decision: Gabon, represented by Higher Education Minister Pr. Charles Edgard Mombo, assumed the rotating presidency of the institution for one year. This leadership position positions Gabon at the forefront of efforts to modernize, elevate, and expand the reach of higher education across Africa.

During the proceedings, delegates adopted multiple resolutions aimed at strengthening academic quality, research output, and institutional collaboration across CAMES member states. Minister Mombo emphasized the Gabonese government’s commitment to turning resolutions into actionable results for universities, faculty, researchers, and students throughout the region.

“This year will be defined by rigorous follow-through on every decision made by the Council. Our goal is to ensure that every resolution translates into measurable progress for higher education in Africa.”

Among the priorities outlined for Gabon’s tenure are the swift implementation of adopted recommendations, enhanced quality assurance mechanisms, and initiatives to boost the global visibility of African scientific research. The country also aims to accelerate the digital transformation of higher education and research institutions, building on the foundational work of CAMES Secretary-General Pr. Souleymane Konaté.

Despite the region’s vast potential, CAMES currently accounts for only about 2% of global scientific output. To reverse this trend, delegates endorsed a bold new strategy including the creation of a Virtual CAMES Academy. This digital platform will serve as a hub for academic and scientific services, supporting member states in improving university performance, fostering knowledge sharing, and strengthening researcher capabilities.

Strengthening collaboration and innovation across Africa

The Gabon-led agenda also prioritizes solidarity among member states, increased academic mobility, deeper scientific cooperation, and the promotion of university entrepreneurship and graduate employability. These efforts align with broader goals to position CAMES as a more competitive and influential player on the international academic stage.

The outgoing president, Guinean Higher Education Minister Dr. Diaka Sidibé, praised the collective commitment of member states and expressed confidence in Gabon’s ability to advance ongoing reforms. Participants also paid tribute to Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema for his unwavering support of higher education, scientific research, and African academic integration.

By assuming the CAMES presidency, Gabon has been entrusted with a strategic mission: to transform the organization into a more dynamic, innovative, and globally competitive force capable of addressing contemporary challenges in education, research, and development. This leadership could mark the beginning of a new era for African higher education and further amplify its voice on the world scientific stage.

The Council of Ministers announced that the 44th ordinary session will take place in 2027 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.