Eleventh Tana Forum Concludes with Call for Action and Measurable Results

Addis Ababa, October 26, 2025 (FMC) — The Eleventh Tana Forum, held over the past three days in Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa, concluded today with a strong call to transform ideas, commitments, and policy pathways into concrete actions and measurable results.

Convened under the theme *“Africa in an Evolving Global Order,”* the Forum served as a high-level platform for dialogue on the peace and security challenges confronting the continent, while reaffirming Africa’s agency in shaping global transitions.

In her closing remarks, former President of Malawi and Tana Forum Board Member Joyce Banda emphasized the importance of sustaining a uniquely African space for dialogue and collective action on peace and security. She described the 2025 session as timely and relevant, bringing together leaders and experts to deliberate on Africa’s position in a changing international landscape.

Banda noted that discussions over the three days covered a wide range of critical issues, including geopolitical dynamics, digital transformation, natural resource governance, and energy transitions — all geared toward promoting inclusive growth and building resilient institutions.

“Three major priorities have emerged from our deliberations,” Banda stated. “First, it can no longer be business as usual. The world is changing, and Africa must respond with purpose, confidence, and imagination. Second, we must ensure that the ideas and commitments generated here are translated into meaningful actions that strengthen institutions and produce measurable impacts. Third, the central role of African youth is indispensable to realizing the continent’s aspirations.”

She underlined that the true value of the Tana Forum lies in its continuity and its ability to transform ideas into sustained action. Banda urged the Tana Secretariat to consolidate this year’s recommendations and commitments into clear and actionable follow-up steps.

“African youth’s innovation, creativity, and resilience will shape and sustain the continent’s future,” she added, expressing hope that future forums will assess the progress made in implementing the outcomes of this year’s discussions.

Reflecting on the forum’s journey over the past decade, Banda commended the progress achieved but reiterated the urgency of ensuring that future engagements yield practical and measurable outcomes.

She concluded by thanking all participants, panelists, and organizers for their contributions, emphasizing that the spirit of unity and determination demonstrated throughout the event continues to drive Africa’s collective pursuit of peace, security, and sustainable development.

The Tana Forum remains a vital platform for advancing African-led dialogue and solutions in an increasingly complex global environment — with a renewed call to action echoing from its latest session.