Libreville, Gabon — The African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES) concluded its 43rd session on June 19, 2026, with Gabon assuming the presidency for the upcoming year.
The session, held at the Palais des Congrès Omar Bongo in Libreville, saw outgoing president Dr. Diaka Sidibé pass the torch to Gabon’s Minister of Higher Education, Prof. Charles Edgar Mombo.
The session’s outcomes were pivotal, emphasizing the revitalization of scientific research and enhancing scientific production within the CAMES region. Currently contributing only about 2% to the global scientific output, the newly elected president of CAMES aims to significantly increase this figure. Gabon’s hosting of the CAMES session underscores its commitment to modernization and excellence in higher education.
Since the 2023 coup d’état led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, Gabon has undergone a period of transformation, as indicated by the Gabon Country Report by the BTI Project.
The report highlights improvements in governance, resource efficiency, and international cooperation, positioning Gabon as a suitable host for the prestigious educational body.
The Gabon Country Report also notes that Gabon’s governance index has improved, and the country has been marked by efforts towards modernization and excellence in higher education. This context is crucial in understanding the strategic importance of Gabon’s presidency of the institution and its focus on scientific research and production. During the session, the Gabonese government reaffirmed its dedication to making this presidency a period of concrete actions and measurable results.
The Minister of Higher Education, Prof. Charles Edgar Mombo, represented the President of the Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, at the opening of the session, emphasizing the country’s commitment to supporting universities, researchers, and students within the CAMES space.
The session resulted in several recommendations and resolutions, with a particular focus on a strategy to boost scientific research and production. This strategy aims to stimulate research, develop a common policy statement for research to be a priority, and create research with a tangible impact on daily life and institutions.
The BTI Project’s report on Gabon provides an overview of the country’s sustainability, steering capability, and international cooperation, which may have influenced its selection for the presidency. Gabonactu. Com, a local news outlet, reported on the strategic importance of Gabon’s presidency of the institution and the emphasis on scientific research and production.
The 43rd session of the CAMES marks a pivotal moment for Gabon and the broader African educational landscape. With a focus on scientific advancement, Gabon is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of higher education and research on the continent.
As Gabon takes the helm of CAMES, the world watches to see how the country’s presidency will impact the region’s scientific output and its contribution to global research.
The journey ahead is one of potential and promise, and the eyes of Africa and the world are on Gabon as it embarks on this new chapter of educational leadership.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Agpgabon
Source: Redaction
