AUC Reaffirms Commitment to Institutionalizing Stronger Mechanisms for Evidence-based Policymaking

Addis Ababa, October 10, 2025 (ENA)—The African Union Commission (AUC) remains committed to working with the African Capacity Building Foundation and other partners to institutionalize stronger mechanisms for evidence-based policymaking across the continent, Commission Deputy Chairperson Haddadi said. 

Addressing the closing of the 11th Africa Think Tank Summit 2025 today, African Union Commission Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi said the three-day in-depth deliberation was crucial to move the continent from taxation to action in the realm of public financial management.

“This summit has not only deepened our understanding of the challenges we face, from weak revenue systems and policy fragmentation to gaps in accountability and implementation, but it has also produced a renewed sense of direction.”

The Deputy Chairperson praised the shared commitment of participants to strengthen the link between knowledge and policy, between design and delivery.

“We have agreed that our public financial management system must no longer be reactive, but proactive, capable of anticipating shocks, mobilizing domestic resources effectively, and translating budgets into visible results for our people.”

According to Haddadi, the African Union Commission remains committed to working with the African Capacity Building Foundation and other partners to institutionalize stronger mechanisms for evidence-based policymaking across the continent.

Stating that the AUC will continue to create spaces for collaboration and data sharing, she stressed the need to ensuring that good ideas translate into policies and actions.

For the Deputy Chairperson, Africa's development must be driven by Africa as fiscal sovereignty is imperative for the continent.  

African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) Executive Secretary, Mamadou Biteye, said domestic resource mobilization is not just about taxes, it is about tangible impact in the lives of citizens. In this regard, Think Tanks are central to the journey from taxation to action.

“Our discussions show that implementation matters as much as policy. Think Tanks must (therefore) move from analysis to action.” 

The Executive Secretary commended the Government of Ethiopia, the people of Ethiopia, and in particular, the ministries of Finance and Revenues for the extraordinary hospitality and leadership during the summit.

The summit under the theme, “From Taxation to Action: Bridging Policy and Implementation in Public Financial Management in Africa”, is successfully concluded by exchanging insights on closing the gap between policy and implementation in public financial management (PFM).

The book on “Creation, Management, and Sustainability of Think Tanks in Africa”, which was described as a testament to Africa's intellectual journey, was launched during the closing of the summit.