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.
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.
Africa LEEPS will be hosting three sessions at Evi4Dev:
- Strengthening national gender observatories: Building inclusive data ecosystems for policy impact in west Africa
- This session will explore the current status and roles within evidence-to-policy systems, highlight best practices, and examine both shared and context-specific challenges.
- Integrating gender into evidence-informed policymaking processes
- This session will increase awareness and understanding of the importance of integrating gender into evidence-informed decision-making and provide a shared understanding of best practices and challenges in integrating gender into EIP processes.
- Institutionalizing Evidence-Informed Policy-Making in Africa: Lessons across contexts to help Africa realize its development goals
- This session will provide a space for the evidence community to discuss how to institutionalize evidence use and where further investment is needed.