Africa Needs Evidence-Based Policymaking to Tackle Development Challenges: Minister

Addis Ababa, July 23, 2026 (FMC) — Addressing #Africa’s development challenges requires policymakers to make evidence-based decisions on how to allocate limited resources and identify programs that deliver meaningful results, #Ethiopia’s Planning and Development Minister Fitsum Assefa said today.

Speaking at the opening of the 14th Africa Evidence Summit in Addis Ababa, the minister stressed that policymaking cannot rely on intuition alone, but must be guided by reliable data, rigorous analysis, and close collaboration among governments, researchers, and communities.

She said Ethiopia is strengthening its evidence ecosystem through coordinated efforts among key national institutions.

According to the minister, the Ministry of Planning and Development provides policy direction, formulates short-, medium-, and long-term development plans, oversees public investment, and supports climate policy, while the National Statistical Office produces official data and the Policy Studies Institute (PSI) transforms that data into evidence to inform policymaking.

Fitsum noted that Ethiopia’s eight-pillar Statistical Development Program is modernizing the country’s statistical system through a transition to digital data management.

She added that the strengthened system has enabled several major national data initiatives, including Ethiopia’s first agricultural census in 23 years, its first-ever Economic Establishment Census, a comprehensive Demographic and Health Survey, and an Integrated Household Welfare Survey.

The minister also called for stronger partnerships among governments, universities, think tanks, civil society organizations, and the private sector to ensure research findings are effectively translated into policy and practice.

She underscored the need for researchers in Ethiopia and around the world to support policymaking with credible, high-quality evidence.

Network of Impact Evaluators in Africa Chairman Amos Njuguna, for his part, emphasized that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics, should be applied ethically and inclusively to improve people’s lives.

He said the organization’s mission extends beyond producing research to ensuring that evidence reaches decision-makers, shapes public policy, and delivers tangible benefits for citizens.

Also speaking at the summit, Policy Studies Institute (PSI) Director-General Fekadu Tsega highlighted the need to strengthen collaboration between researchers and policymakers so that evidence can contribute to practical development solutions.

He said the institute seeks to bridge the gap between research and policymaking through multidisciplinary studies, policy engagement, and capacity-building initiatives aligned with Ethiopia’s national development priorities.

Fekadu stressed that research should move beyond academic institutions and journals to actively inform policy processes and address real-world challenges, emphasizing the importance of close cooperation among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.

He added that researchers contribute scientific evidence, analytical tools, and fresh perspectives, while policymakers bring practical knowledge, institutional experience, and an understanding of implementation challenges.

Held under the theme “Powering Policy with Innovative, Inclusive, and Transparent Data,” the 14th Africa Evidence Summit has brought together more than 400 policymakers, researchers, innovators, and development partners to explore how evidence and technology can strengthen decision-making across Africa.