Opening Ceremony — Official Opening of the 2026 Africa Think Tank Summit

The official opening features a welcome by the host government, institutional addresses by co-conveners, a keynote address, and a cultural moment, with a simultaneous webcast for virtual participants. It includes a video about ATTS and a recap of the Day 1 side-events.

Host Country Welcome by H.E. Aristide Medenou (Minister of Economy and Finance, Benin); Host City Welcome by Mr. Luc Gnacadja (Mayor of Cotonou); opening remarks by Mr. Mamadou Biteye (Executive Secretary, ACBF); partners' addresses by Dr. Frejus Thoto (ACED), Mr. Christopher Chibwana (Hewlett Foundation), Dr. Ngueto Tiraïna Yambaye (FAGACE), Mrs. Holy Ranaivozanany (AEF), H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi (Deputy Chairperson, AUC), Dr. Sidi Ould Tah (President, AfDB) and Dr. Ndiamé Diop (Regional Vice President, World Bank). The theme is introduced by H.E. Édouard Dahomé (Minister of Energy, Water and Mines, Benin), with the official opening by H.E. Romuald Wadagni (President of the Republic of Benin).

Objective: open the summit at the highest level of political authority, set the thematic direction, and signal that African governments and institutions treat energy transformation as a strategic development priority — not simply an infrastructure problem. Expected outcomes: a clear political mandate referenceable for the final Communiqué; full media coverage across 10+ outlets; Africa's unified political commitment to evidence for energy transformation publicly signaled.