In Libreville on June 19, the outgoing CAMES acting president, Dr. Diaka Sidibé, ceremonially transferred leadership to the incoming president, Professor Charles Edgard Mombo.
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, concluded with a pivotal decision: Gabon, represented by its Minister of Higher Education, Professor Charles Edgard Mombo, has taken on the institution’s acting presidency for a full year. This strategic mandate positions the nation at the forefront of efforts to modernize, elevate, and enhance the global standing of African higher education.
Following deliberations that culminated in the adoption of several key recommendations and resolutions, the Gabonese government official reiterated Gabon’s unwavering commitment to making this tenure a period of tangible actions and measurable outcomes, benefiting universities, teaching staff, researchers, and students across the CAMES region.
“This year under Gabon’s presidency will be dedicated to rigorously monitoring the decisions made by the Council of Ministers, ensuring that every adopted resolution translates into concrete results,” stated Professor Mombo, as he outlined the primary objectives of his mandate.
Gabon intends to diligently oversee the implementation of adopted recommendations, foster enhanced quality assurance and academic excellence within higher education institutions, champion initiatives aimed at boosting the international visibility and appeal of scientific research originating from member states, and vigorously encourage the digital transformation of both higher education and research.
This forward-looking vision, Professor Mombo emphasized, builds upon the foundational work established by the CAMES General Secretariat, under the leadership of Professor Souleymane Konaté. The 43rd ordinary session of the CAMES Council of Ministers officially endorsed the proposals put forth by experts who convened earlier, from June 15 to 16, in Libreville. Notably, the session adopted an ambitious revitalization strategy designed to strengthen CAMES’s position on the global scientific stage. Despite its considerable potential, the CAMES area currently accounts for approximately only 2% of the world’s scientific output.
To reverse this trend, several innovative pathways have been identified, including the establishment of a virtual CAMES Academy. Envisioned as a comprehensive hub for scientific and academic services, this digital platform will be tasked with assisting member states and higher education and research institutions in their endeavors to improve university performance, facilitate knowledge exchange, and bolster the capacities of researchers.
The program championed by Gabon also prioritizes strengthening solidarity among member states, fostering academic mobility, intensifying scientific cooperation, and promoting innovation, university entrepreneurship, and the employability of graduates.
Dr. Diaka Sidibé, Guinea’s Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, and the outgoing acting president of the CAMES Council of Ministers, whose governance during her tenure received high commendation from her peers, applauded the dedication of member states towards the institution’s transformation. She expressed full confidence in Gabon’s capability to advance the ongoing reforms.
The Libreville session also featured a profound tribute to Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. His steadfast support for higher education, scientific research, and African academic integration was universally acknowledged and praised by all participants.
With this presidency, Gabon embraces a pivotal mission: to transform CAMES into an increasingly effective, innovative, and competitive entity, adept at addressing contemporary challenges in education, research, and development. This ambitious undertaking could herald a new era for African higher education, further solidifying its influence on the international scientific landscape.
The supreme governing body of CAMES has scheduled its 44th ordinary session of the Council of Ministers of the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education for 2027 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.