By Engr. Emmanuel Okpong
Program Coordinator & Secretary II, Commission on Communication, Media and ICT The Pan-African Dialogue Institute
In a defining moment for Pan-African unity, the International President of The Pan-African Dialogue Institute, Effiong Joseph Udo, PhD arrived in Benin Republic accompanied by Daniel Umoh, Ph.D – Special Assistant to TPADI President on Francophone Matters, and Program Coordinator, Commission on African Politics, Governance, and International Relations of the Institute; and Prof. Victor Akpan – Special Assistant to TPADI President on Diaspora Matters. Their mission was to inaugurate the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2026 Biennial International Dialogue Conference on Pan-Africanism and reinforce strategic alliances within the region.
The 2026 Dialogue Conference on Pan-Africanism promises to be a transformative gathering, uniting visionaries, policymakers, and influential thought leaders to deliberate on the continent’s most critical challenges and opportunities. This biennial event, which debuted in Nigeria in 2024 with an impressive attendance of over 2,000 participants from various parts of the world, continues to serve as a crucial platform for academic dialogue, cultural exhibitions, and strategic development. The inauguration of the LOC in Benin Republic marks a significant step forward in ensuring the seamless execution of the conference, overseeing key elements such as logistical planning and high-level engagements.
During his visit, the President held strategic meetings with thought leaders, business leaders, and civil society representatives. These discussions focused on regional cooperation, economic development, and cultural exchange, further strengthening bilateral ties between Benin and other African nations..
The LOC inauguration ceremony held at The Center for the Development and Exchange of Indigenous Ideas (IDEE) in the city of Ouidah was nothing short of spectacular. Leaders of the World Council on Pan-Africanism (CoMoPa), scholars, and key figures in the country gathered to witness historic event. In his address, the International President emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration in shaping Africa’s destiny. He informed them that TPADI’s conferences are made to coincide with the Africa Day commemoration in May 25; thus having two aspects, namely, academic and cultural dimensions.
The LOC, Led by Mr. Sessou Kouassi Roger (CoMoPa Leader), Prof. Aigbe A. Marcelin, and Prof. Gaglozoun Alphonse, PhD, among others, has been entrusted with the responsibility of orchestrating every aspect of the conference, including coordinating with African governments and international delegates, organizing pre-conference events to engage key stakeholders, ensuring seamless logistics, accommodation, and security for participants, driving discussions around the core themes of the conference, as well as managing communication, media outreach, and global awareness campaigns.
With the LOC now in place, preparations for the 2026 Conference will shift into high gear. The upcoming months will see strategic planning meetings with stakeholders, fundraising and sponsorship drives to support the conference, intensive global promotions to attract participation from all corners of the world, and development of digital engagement platforms for networking and collaboration.
Before departing Benin, the International President along with members of the LOC visited Prof. Félicien AVLESSI, Vice Chancellor of the University of Abomey-Calavi, where he informed the VC that his university had been chosen to host the conference, and emphasized the critical role of academia and research in shaping progressive policies in Africa. Responding, the Vice Chancellor expressed his delight for the choice of his university to host the event, and pledged his commitment and support for the forthcoming conference, requesting the LOC to meet him again in order to facilitate effective planning for the conference.
As momentum builds for the 2026 Conference, the continent is set to witness one of the most transformative discussions on governance, economic empowerment, and cultural advancement. The countdown to a groundbreaking event has officially begun. The International President’s departure left a strong sense of optimism and a shared commitment to making the 2026 Conference an unprecedented success.
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