The University of Johannesburg (UJ) hosted the 1st Africa Evidence Network (AEN) Colloquium from 25 – 28 November 2014.
The conference was South Africa’s largest meeting of individuals and organisations interested in evidence-informed decision-making in Africa and was arranged by UJ’s Building Capacity to Use Research Evidence (BCURE), the Centre for Anthropological Research and the AEN Johannesburg office.
The colloquium brought together a community of practice that desires to improve public policies in Africa through the incorporation of research evidence in the policy cycle. It also aimed to enhance and develop the common consensus that evidence can inform the design of more effective public policies. This allows for an accelerated expansion of capabilities and improved livelihoods throughout Africa.
Each presentation paid testimony to the common consensus at the colloquium that research evidence has an important role to play in decision-making in Africa. In her welcome remarks at the launch of the conference, BCURE Programme Director at the Anthropology and Development Studies, Prof Ruth Stewart highlighted the shared vision among the delegates and encouraged them to fully exploit the networking opportunities the colloquium will provide.
