Gabon assumes CAMES presidency to drive educational excellence across Africa
The outgoing CAMES President, Dr. Diaka Sidibé, hands over the leadership to Gabon’s incoming President, Professor Charles Edgard Mombo, in Libreville on June 19, 2026
During the 43rd ordinary session of the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES), held in Libreville from June 15 to 19, 2026, a landmark decision was made: Gabon, represented by its Minister of Higher Education, Professor Charles Edgard Mombo, was elected to lead the institution for one year. This strategic appointment positions Gabon at the forefront of Africa’s ambitions to modernize, elevate, and expand higher education.
As the session concluded with the adoption of key resolutions and recommendations, the Gabonese government reaffirmed its commitment to transforming this mandate into a period of tangible progress for universities, educators, researchers, and students across the CAMES member states.
Professor Mombo outlined his vision, stating, « This year of leadership will prioritize rigorous implementation of the Council’s decisions, ensuring every resolution yields measurable outcomes for the academic community. »
The Gabonese presidency plans to focus on accelerating the adoption of CAMES recommendations, strengthening academic quality assurance, and enhancing the international visibility of African research. A key priority is the digital transformation of higher education and scientific research, a mission aligned with the ongoing efforts of the CAMES Secretariat under the guidance of Secretary-General Professor Souleymane Konaté.
During the session, experts gathered from June 15 to 16 to refine strategies, including an ambitious revitalization plan to boost CAMES’ global scientific footprint. Currently, member states contribute only about 2% of the world’s scientific output, a gap Gabon aims to address through innovative solutions.
Among the initiatives proposed is the creation of a Virtual CAMES Academy—a digital hub designed to empower universities and research institutions with tools for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and performance improvement. The platform will also foster academic mobility, scientific cooperation, and graduate employability, while promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education.
The outgoing President, Dr. Diaka Sidibé of Guinea, praised the collective commitment of member states to institutional transformation and expressed confidence in Gabon’s ability to advance the reforms initiated during her tenure.
Tributes were also paid to Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema for his unwavering support of higher education, scientific research, and African academic integration, a dedication widely recognized by participants.
The Gabonese presidency now holds a pivotal mission: to position CAMES as a more competitive, innovative, and influential force in global higher education, capable of addressing contemporary challenges in training, research, and development. This leadership could mark the beginning of a transformative era for African academia.
The next ordinary session of the CAMES Council of Ministers is scheduled for 2027 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
