The outgoing CAMES chair, Dr. Diaka Sidibé, hands over the leadership to incoming president Pr. Charles Edgard Mombo on June 19 in Libreville © Gabonactu.com
Gabon steers CAMES toward a year of academic excellence and innovation
During the 43rd ordinary session of the Council of Ministers of the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES), held in Libreville from June 15 to 19, 2026, a historic transition took place. Gabon, represented by Higher Education Minister Pr. Charles Edgard Mombo, officially assumed the rotating presidency of the institution for one year. This appointment places Gabon at the forefront of efforts to modernize, elevate, and expand the reach of higher education across Africa.
A mandate focused on tangible progress
At the conclusion of the ministerial meeting, which included the adoption of key resolutions and action plans, Pr. Mombo underscored Gabon’s commitment to turning the presidency into a period of concrete results. The government pledged to ensure that every decision made during the session translates into measurable improvements for universities, faculty, researchers, and students across the CAMES member states.
“This year will be defined by rigorous follow-through on every recommendation adopted. Our goal is to ensure that every resolution leads to real, lasting impact.”, stated the Gabonese minister as he outlined the strategic priorities of his tenure.
Strengthening quality, visibility, and digital transformation
The Gabonese-led presidency will prioritize several critical areas. Among them: enhancing academic quality assurance, boosting the international visibility of research produced within the CAMES space, and accelerating the digital transformation of higher education and scientific research. These efforts build on the foundational work already underway under the leadership of CAMES Secretary-General Pr. Souleymane Konaté.
Despite hosting a wealth of talent and institutions, the CAMES region currently accounts for only about 2% of global scientific output. To address this disparity, delegates endorsed an ambitious revitalization strategy. A centerpiece of this plan is the creation of a virtual CAMES Academy—a digital hub designed to support member states and institutions in strengthening university performance, fostering knowledge sharing, and building researcher capacity.
Solidarity, mobility, and innovation at the core
The Gabonese presidency will also emphasize solidarity among member states, expand academic mobility programs, and deepen scientific cooperation. Additional focus areas include fostering innovation, supporting university entrepreneurship, and improving graduate employability across the region.
The outgoing chair, Guinean Higher Education Minister Dr. Diaka Sidibé, praised the collective commitment of member states to institutional transformation. She expressed confidence in Gabon’s ability to advance the reforms initiated during her tenure and build on the momentum generated in Libreville.
A tribute to leadership and vision
The session also served as an opportunity to honor Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, whose unwavering support for higher education, scientific research, and African academic integration was widely recognized by participants.
As Gabon takes the helm, its leadership mission is clear: to position CAMES as a more competitive, innovative, and globally influential hub capable of meeting the evolving demands of education, research, and development. If successful, this presidency could mark the beginning of a new era for higher education in Africa and strengthen the continent’s voice in the global scientific community.
The Council also announced that the 44th ordinary session of the CAMES Council of Ministers will be held in 2027 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
