concept note

What is the E2A Conference All About?

Overview

E2A 2026

The International Centre  for Evaluation and Development (ICED), theUniversity of California, Davis in conjunction with the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) and other partners are organizing the 9th Evidence to Action Conference and Exhibition in Ghana  at ISSER auditorium, University of Ghana,from 22nd to 26th June 2026, comprising two days of pre-conference events/side events and the three day conference and exhibition. This year’s conference builds on the growing momentum across Africa to reclaim and reshape the evidence to ‑ action ecosystem. Despite a rich history of African knowledge production, much of the evidence informing policies and decisions remains influenced by external agendas and disconnected from lived realities. The E2A 2026 Conference seeks to document,elevate, and scale African led practices, deepen learning across contexts, and catalyze systems level change that positions Africa as a global leader in ‑evidence informed ‑ policymaking.
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Submission Guidelines
  1. Maximum: 350 words
  2. Format: MS Word, double‑spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt
  3. Language: English
  4. Content: Purpose, methodology, key findings, conclusions, significance
  5. Submit via: https://bit.ly/E2A2026abstract
Key Dates
Activity Date
Abstract submission opens 24 February 2026
Abstract submission closes 24 March 2026
Notification of acceptance 14 April 2026
Registration & fee payment deadline 12 May 2026
Submission of presentation materials 19 May 2026

Submission categories include short papers, breakout sessions/panels, and poster presentations.

Modality

Conference Venue and Schedule

The International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED) and the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), in conjunction with Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR) and other partners, are organizing the 9th Evidence to Action Conference and Exhibition at the ISSER auditorium, on the University of Ghana campus, from June 22nd-26th, 2026.
Introduction

Concept Note

Across Africa, the demand for evidence to inform policies and decisions is growing rapidly. Yet the journey from knowledge to action remains fragmented, often driven by external agendas that overlook African priorities, innovations, and lived experiences. While African governments, institutions, and communities have developed rich practices for embedding evidence into decision-making, these successes remain insufficiently documented, shared, and scaled.
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Conference Theme

Reimagining the Evidence-to-ActionEcosystem in Africa

This theme underscores governance practices that address systemic disparities and amplify the voices of marginalized groups.

Key Questions Under the Theme

What interventions can enhance governance responsiveness to underserved populations?
How can governance reforms strengthen social cohesion and sustainable economic development?
What barriers hinder responsive governance, and how can they be addressed?
How can evidence-based approaches inform governance reforms?

Thematic areas

Conference Sub-themes

The main theme of the conference, “Reimagining the Evidence-Informed Policy and Decision-Making Ecosystem in Africa” emphasizes the need for inclusive, context-driven, and transformative approaches that redefine whose knowledge counts, how decisions are made, and whose voices shape policy. It calls for inclusive, context-driven, and transformative approaches thatrecognize the legitimacy of African knowledge systems and prioritize the voices and lived realities of communities that have historically been marginalized or excluded from decision making processes.
Legitimacy & Ownership of Evidence
Evidence Uptake, Translation and Use
Systems Transformation for Evidence-Informed Governance
Inclusivity & Equity
Collaboration & Partnerships
Learning from Failures and Adaptive Practice
Technological Disruption and Opportunity
Sponsor Us
Overall

Conference Goal

The 2026 E2A Conference aims to bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to examine the latest research on effective governance and its impact on sustainable development, particularly in Africa. It will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and identifying practical solutions to improve governance practices in the region.
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Conference

Objectives, Outcomes, and Strategy

Conference Objectives

Grounded in a vision of transforming Africa’s evidence ecosystem, E2A 2026 aims to:

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  1. Reimagine Africa’s Evidence Ecosystem: Build systems rooted in African realities, priorities, and legitimacy.
  2. Document & Learn From Practice: Capture innovations, enablers, and constraints in evidence generation and use.
  3. Clarify Ownership & Audiences: Center the needs of policymakers, communities, funders, and African institutions.
  4. Strengthen Collaboration: Promote multi‑actor partnerships across sectors.
  5. Advance System-Level Transformation: Position Africa as a leader in global evidence-informed governance.
Anticipated Outcomes

The E2A 2026 Conference aspires to achieve the following:

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  1. Enhanced Understanding: Participants will gain insights into evidence-based governance strategies that address systemic challenges and empower underserved populations.
  2. Strengthened Networks: New partnerships and regional alliances will emerge among policymakers, researchers, CSOs, and other stakeholders.
  3. Capacity Building: Workshops and training sessions will equip participants with practical skills to address governance challenges and implement effective reforms.
  4. Policy Influence: Evidence-based recommendations and actionable strategies will inform governance reforms and foster responsive decision-making.
  5. Regional Impact: Conference outcomes will contribute to the development of governance systems aligned with regional and national development goals.
Strategic Approach

The conference will adopt a multifaceted approach to ensure participants gain maximum value from the event:

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  1. Expert-Led Keynote Addresses and Plenary Sessions: Thought leaders will provide insights into key governance topics.
  2. Interactive Roundtables and Panel Discussions: Participants will engage in discussions on critical governance issues, fostering diverse perspectives.
  3. Showcasing Research and Innovations: Paper and poster presentations will highlight ongoing work and new innovations in governance.
  4. Exhibitions of Governance Solutions: Attendees will explore cutting-edge programs, tools, and technologies driving advancements in governance.
  5. Focused Breakout Sessions: Participants will delve deeper into specific topics, fostering targeted discussions and networking.
  6. Pre-Conference Workshops: These workshops will offer professional development opportunities focused on practical governance skills and knowledge.
Target Audience

The E2A 2026 Conference is expected to attract a diverse audience, including:

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  • Civil Societies
  • Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
  • Governance Researchers and Experts
  • Policymakers
  • Government officials
  • Academics
  • Representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs)
  • International organizations
  • Private sector leaders
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Media professionals

This diverse assembly will foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge and ideas, ultimately advancing effective, evidence-based governance initiatives.

Conference Organizing Committee

The E2A 2026 Conference is organized by the International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED) in collaboration with various Partner Organizations. The organizing committee is committed to delivering a high-impact event that advances governance effectiveness in Africa.

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For further information, including details on abstract submissions, participation, registration fees, or hosting a pre-conference session/side event, please visit our website: https://www.iced-eval.org  or email e2a@iced-eval.org.

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