The Evidence for Development Conference (Evi4Dev Conference) is a pivotal biennial event aimed at enhancing the integration of scientific research, other types of data and innovations into Africa's development efforts. Scheduled to take place from May 6-8, 2025, this inaugural conference will serve as a platform for key stakeholders—including policymakers, researchers, and practitioners—to engage in meaningful dialogue about the role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union's Agenda 2063.
Recent reports highlight that while African nations have made strides toward the SDGs, significant challenges remain. Alarmingly, projections indicate that without targeted interventions, millions may continue to live in extreme poverty by 2030. The Evi4Dev Conference seeks to address these pressing issues by fostering collaboration among diverse actors in the STI and EIP ecosystems. By centering discussions around critical topics such as wealth creation, infrastructure development, food security, education, and health, the conference aims to generate actionable commitments that will drive progress in these areas.
The overarching theme of the conference—"Optimising the Role of Data, Evidence, and Innovations in Africa’s Efforts to Create Wealth, Empower Citizens, and Foster Responsive Governance"—reflects a commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in Africa's development journey. Through a series of plenary sessions, panel discussions, and workshops, participants will explore best practices and innovative solutions that can be implemented across various sectors to enhance governance, equity, and inclusion.
This event not only represents a convergence of thought leaders but also embodies a commitment to transforming how evidence is utilized in policy-making across the continent. As Africa navigates its development challenges, the Evi4Dev Conference stands as a beacon for fostering sustainable growth through Informed Decision-Making and collaborative action.
Evi4Dev Conference’s Goal
The Evi4Dev Conference provides a platform for sustained engagement of science, technology and innovation (STI) and evidence-informed policymaking (EIP) actors requisite for centering STI and EIP practice in Africa’s development efforts. The key STI and EIP actors targeted by the Evi4Dev Conference include policymakers in government agencies and government officials i.e parliamentarians, researchers (based in universities, research institutes and think tanks), policy implementers and practitioners, knowledge brokers, civil society, media, development partners, and private sector representatives. The conference will be hosted as a hybrid forum with opportunities for both in-person and virtual participation of delegates.
Conference Objectives and Expected Outcomes
The main objective of the Evi4Dev Conference is to convene policymakers, STI and EIP experts, funders, and practitioners working in different development fields to deliberate the status of STI and EIP, identify and commit to critical actions needed in order to centre data, evidence, and innovations in Agenda 2063 implementation efforts. Specific objectives that the conference will seek to achieve include, to:
Ensure commitment and actions of Agenda 2063 implementation effort
Generate and sustain commitment and actions needed by governments and other development actors to put data, evidence, and innovations at the centre of Agenda 2063 implementation efforts
Foster strategic relationships
Foster strategic relationships and interdisciplinary collaboration among government agencies and key stakeholders in the STI and EIP ecosystems
Nurture STI and EIP champions
Nurture STI and EIP champions across different development sectors in Africa, including young and emerging STI and EIP leaders and champions
Build and share knowledge in centering STI and EIP in development efforts
Build and share knowledge on experiences, lessons, and best practices what works in centering STI and EIP in development efforts in the different contexts of the continent
The expected outcomes of the conference include:
- Heightened commitments and actions by governments, funders, and other development actors to put STI and EIP at the center of Africa’s development (including increased investments, improved programme performance, etc.)
- A strong STI and EIP communities of practice driving development progress in Africa
