Ghanaian MP Gizella Tetteh-Agboutui Highlights the Strategic Rise of APNODE at Its 10th Annual General Assembly in Casablanca

Casablanca is hosting, from 19 to 21 November 2025, the 10th Annual General Assembly of the African Parliamentarians Network on Development Evaluation (APNODE), a landmark gathering bringing together delegations from across the continent. The opening session was marked by a strong institutional presence, technical partners, and more than fifteen lawmakers from the National Assembly of Benin.

In a packed auditorium, the session set a tone of strategic clarity, strengthened continental commitment, and renewed emphasis on evidence-based policymaking in Africa.

A Decade of Parliamentary Mobilization for Evidence-Based Governance

From the outset, APNODE leadership recalled the network’s foundations, its mission, and its eleven years of sustained parliamentary mobilization to promote evaluation as a cornerstone of public decision-making. The need for African parliaments to rely more consistently on robust data and structured analysis was highlighted as essential to meet the expectations of increasingly demanding populations.

Warm appreciation was also extended to the Chamber of Councillors of the Kingdom of Morocco for its hospitality—an illustration of Morocco’s enduring role in supporting African parliamentary initiatives and strengthening regional cooperation.

Ghana’s Gizella Tetteh-Agboutui Unveils a Widely Praised Activity Report

One of the high points of the opening day was the presentation of the 2024–2025 Activity Report by Hon. Gizella Tetteh-Agboutui, Member of Parliament of the Republic of Ghana.

Her report—detailed, methodical, and analytically rich—was enthusiastically received by all delegations.

Hon. Tetteh-Agboutui emphasized the growing maturity of the network, noting:

“APNODE has taken a decisive step forward. The quality of collaboration, the consistency of our strategic direction, and the impact of our actions demonstrate that the culture of evaluation is no longer emerging—it is becoming institutional.”

Delegates commended her thoroughness, the clarity of the report’s structure, and her ability to capture both progress achieved and areas requiring deeper engagement. Several participants highlighted her work as “a model of evaluative accountability within African parliamentary cooperation.”

Financial and Strategic Planning: A Network Looking Ahead

Following the activity report, the 2024 Financial Report was presented by Madame M. Abbelilah Hifdi, shedding light on APNODE’s fiscal management, funding sources, strategic expenditures, and the financial projections needed for sustained growth.

The 2026 Action Plan, introduced by Madame Eddah Kanini, received significant attention. The plan outlines clear priorities: strengthening parliamentary training, expanding sectoral evaluation outputs, and enhancing international institutional partnerships.

A dynamic question-and-answer session allowed delegates to refine certain technical elements and gain deeper insight into APNODE’s strategic roadmap.

A Milestone Moment for the Network

The proceedings reached a symbolic moment with the official opening address delivered by APNODE’s outgoing president. His speech—emotionally charged and forward-looking—reflected on his tenure and outlined an ambitious path for the network’s next decade.

The full text of his address followed the ceremony, reaffirming APNODE’s commitment to evidence-based governance, enhanced continental cooperation, and stronger parliamentary leadership across Africa.