When a journey begins with purpose, it rarely ends at the destination. For PACKS Africa and the Ghanaian delegation to Evidence 2025 in Cotonou, Benin, the trip was a conference in motion, uniting ideas, people, and purpose around one shared vision: to strengthen the culture of evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) across Africa.
Setting Off: A Journey of Purpose
On 29 September 2025, a diverse Ghanaian delegation led by PACKS Africa set off on a strategic roadtrip from Accra to Cotonou, carrying the energy of a nation determined to make evidence count for governance and development. The team brought together leaders from the public sector, civil society, academia, and young professionals from PACKS Africa’s Corporate Evidence Leader Mentorship Programme (CEL-MP).
The roadtrip itself was symbolic, a journey through landscapes and languages from Anglophone Ghana to Francophone Benin, mirroring the spirit of cross-border collaboration that defines Africa’s evidence ecosystem. Along the way, participants navigated everyday challenges that added both adventure and learning to the trip: deciding where to get food and what to eat, adapting to security limitations at borders points where photos could or could not be taken, lack of network access that rendered participants unreachable, and overcoming language barriers. These experiences tested patience, built resilience, and fostered camaraderie among the team.
Arrival and Anticipation
By the time the delegation arrived in Cotonou after approximately eight hours of travel, excitement had filled the air. The youth activation gathering that opened the week set the tone for what was to come, offering a vibrant exchange of ideas, stories, and innovations shaping how evidence informs policy across the continent.
As one of the delegates, Wisdom, a passionate headteacher, put it, “This journey reminds me that educators, too, can lead with evidence and purpose.” His words echoed the essence of the conference’s 2025 theme: Engage. Understand. Impact.
Showcasing Ghana’s Leadership in Evidence
On 30 September, PACKS Africa proudly took centre stage at the Innovation Hub, showcasing two flagship initiatives: the Mkandawire Index and the Corporate Evidence Leader Mentorship Programme (CEL-MP).
The Mkandawire Index, named after the late Pan-African scholar Thandika Mkandawire, is a practical tool designed to strengthen evidence use in policymaking across Africa.
The CEL-MP, coordinated by Agnes Insor-Brown, nurtures the next generation of evidence leaders through intensive mentorship, EIDM capacity building, and leadership development.
The discussions that followed these presentations opened doors to partnerships and collaborations across linguistic and institutional boundaries, exactly what the roadtrip had been designed to inspire.
Conversations That Shape a Continent
Throughout the conference, PACKS Africa’s delegates participated actively in panel sessions, Africa Talks, youth tracks, and exhibitions, sharing Ghana’s lessons and learning from others. Each conversation reinforced one truth: Africa’s progress depends on how well we translate evidence into impact.
One of the reflections roundtables, led by PACKS Africa’s Founding Director and former Executive Director, Kirchuffs Atengble, became a standout moment, offering a candid, collaborative space to rethink how African countries can institutionalise EIDM for better governance outcomes.
A New Chapter for West Africa
One of the most defining moments came on 2 October, when Kirchuffs Atengble was officially inaugurated as the West Africa Representative on the Africa Evidence Network (AEN) Council of Chairs.
His election marked not only a personal milestone but also a collective victory for the West African evidence community. His leadership promises to deepen the region’s contributions to the continental movement for evidence-informed policymaking.
Beyond the Conference: Exploring Benin
When the conference drew to a close, the learning did not stop. The team took time to experience the beauty and history of Benin, visiting the Temple of Pythons, Sacred Forest, Slave Village, and joining a symbolic bicycle ride through Cotonou.
For many, the ride, with the Ghanaian flag fluttering proudly in the breeze, became more than a leisure moment. It embodied the spirit of unity, resilience, and pride that had defined the entire journey.
As Henry, a participant reflected, “That flag became more than a national symbol to me. It reminded me that in every space I occupy, as a teacher, a mentor, a leader, I carry my country, my community, and my continent with pride.”
Looking Ahead: From Evidence 2025 to Evidence 2027
PACKS Africa’s participation in Evidence 2025 was more than an event. It was a reaffirmation of our commitment to connect Ghana’s evidence ecosystem with continental networks, elevate youth voices, and bridge linguistic divides through purposeful collaboration.
The next step is to keep the conversation alive through blogs, media stories, and a forthcoming webinar that will sustain the momentum, educate, and foster collaborations.
We are already looking forward to Evidence 2027, where the lessons learned, partnerships formed, and innovations shared in Cotonou will shape even bolder action for Africa’s development agenda.
Because in the end, the goal is clear: To Understand. Engage. Impact. and to keep doing so together for Africa’s development.
