The outgoing CAMES chair, Dr. Diaka Sidibé, hands over the baton to incoming president Pr. Charles Edgard Mombo on June 19 in Libreville
Gabon assumes CAMES presidency for transformative 2026 term
Libreville recently hosted the 43rd ordinary session of the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES), running from June 15 to 19, 2026. The landmark gathering concluded with a decisive move: Gabon’s appointment through Higher Education Minister Pr. Charles Edgard Mombo as the council’s new presiding president for the coming year. This pivotal role positions Gabon at the forefront of Africa’s higher education modernization and excellence agenda.
Concrete actions and measurable outcomes
Following intense deliberations and the adoption of key resolutions, Minister Mombo underscored Gabon’s commitment to turning this presidency into a period of tangible achievements. He emphasized rigorous implementation of council decisions, vowing that every resolution would yield concrete results benefiting universities, faculty, researchers, and students across the CAMES region.
“This year will be defined by unwavering follow-through on every resolution, ensuring each translates into measurable progress.”
The Gabonese-led mandate prioritizes several transformative initiatives: strengthening academic quality assurance, boosting the global visibility of scientific research from member states, and accelerating the digital transformation of higher education and research systems. These efforts build directly on the groundwork laid by CAMES Secretary-General Pr. Souleymane Konaté and the council’s technical experts during preparatory meetings held June 15–16 in Libreville.
Reinventing CAMES: a virtual academy and global visibility drive
Despite its vast potential, the CAMES space currently accounts for only 2% of global scientific output. To reverse this trend, delegates endorsed an innovative strategy centered on the creation of a Virtual CAMES Academy. This digital hub will serve as a dynamic platform offering scientific and academic services to member states and institutions, designed to enhance university performance, facilitate knowledge sharing, and strengthen researcher capabilities.
The Gabonese program also champions stronger solidarity among member states, expanded academic mobility, deeper scientific cooperation, and the promotion of innovation, university entrepreneurship, and graduate employability.
A tribute to leadership and continuity
The outgoing Guinean minister and former CAMES chair, Dr. Diaka Sidibé, commended Gabon’s readiness to advance the reforms initiated during her tenure. She highlighted the collective commitment of member states to transforming the institution and expressed confidence in Gabon’s capacity to deliver meaningful change.
The session also paid tribute to President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon, whose sustained support for higher education, scientific research, and African academic integration earned unanimous praise from participants.
Setting the stage for Africa’s higher education future
With Gabon at the helm, CAMES embarks on a mission to become a more high-performing, innovative, and globally competitive space. The goal: to address modern challenges in training, research, and development while amplifying Africa’s voice on the international scientific stage. This ambition could mark the beginning of a new era for African higher education.
The 44th ordinary session of the CAMES Council of Ministers is scheduled to take place in 2027 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.