The outgoing CAMES president, Dr. Diaka Sidibé, hands over the reins to incoming president Professor Charles Edgard Mombo on June 19 in Libreville © Gabonactu.com
Libreville hosted the 43rd ordinary session of the Council of Ministers of the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES) from June 15 to 19, 2026, culminating in a landmark decision: Gabon, represented by Higher Education Minister Professor Charles Edgard Mombo, assumed the rotating presidency of the institution for one year. This strategic appointment positions Gabon at the forefront of efforts to modernize, elevate standards, and amplify the influence of African higher education.
Following intensive deliberations and the adoption of key recommendations, the Gabonese government reaffirmed its commitment to turning this presidency into a period of tangible progress for universities, academics, researchers, and students across the CAMES community.
“This year-long presidency will be defined by rigorous implementation of the Council’s resolutions, ensuring every decision translates into measurable outcomes,” Professor Mombo stated during his inaugural address outlining the mandate’s priorities.
The Gabonese leadership outlined a comprehensive agenda focused on accelerating the implementation of adopted resolutions, strengthening quality assurance and academic excellence in member institutions, and boosting the international visibility of scientific research produced within the CAMES region. Digital transformation in higher education and research also features prominently in the strategy.
Professor Mombo emphasized that this vision builds directly on the groundwork laid by the CAMES Secretariat, led by Secretary-General Professor Souleymane Konaté. The 43rd session, preceded by expert meetings from June 15 to 16 in Libreville, adopted an ambitious revitalization strategy aimed at positioning CAMES more prominently on the global scientific stage—despite currently contributing only about 2% to worldwide scientific output.
To reverse this trend, several innovative initiatives were greenlit, including the establishment of a Virtual CAMES Academy. Described as a dynamic digital hub for scientific and academic services, this platform will support member states and institutions in enhancing university performance, fostering knowledge sharing, and strengthening researcher capabilities.
Gabon’s program also prioritizes solidarity among member states, expanded academic mobility, intensified scientific cooperation, and the promotion of innovation, university entrepreneurship, and graduate employability.
The outgoing Guinean Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, Dr. Diaka Sidibé, praised the collective dedication of member states to institutional transformation and expressed full confidence in Gabon’s ability to advance ongoing reforms.
The Libreville session also paid tribute to Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, whose unwavering support for higher education, scientific research, and African academic integration was widely recognized by participants.
With this presidency, Gabon inherits a pivotal mission: to transform CAMES into a more competitive, innovative, and high-performing entity capable of meeting contemporary challenges in education, research, and development. This bold ambition could herald a new chapter for African higher education and further enhance the continent’s voice in global scientific discourse.
The supreme governing body of CAMES has confirmed that the 44th ordinary session of the Council of Ministers will be held in 2027 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.