Addis Ababa University will host the inaugural event for APCCAfrica’s rapidly expanding network of population health researchers will gather in Ethiopia this November as the African Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC) hosts its first Annual Conference and Participants Forum, marking a significant step toward strengthening the continent’s capacity to generate long-term evidence for health and development.
Scheduled for 25–28 November 2026 and co-hosted by the Addis Ababa University School of Public Health, the inaugural conference will bring together more than 200 researchers, policymakers, data scientists, funders and public health leaders representing over 80 population cohorts across 25 African countries.
The meeting comes as African countries increasingly recognise the value of longitudinal population data in addressing complex health challenges, from infectious and non-communicable diseases to climate change, urbanisation and demographic transitions. While many cohort studies already exist across the continent, they have historically operated independently, limiting opportunities to answer large-scale research questions that require data from diverse populations.
APCC is working to change that by building Africa's largest coordinated network of population cohort studies. By connecting research sites, harmonising data standards and enabling secure collaboration across institutions, the consortium aims to strengthen African-led research while ensuring that data remain under the stewardship of the institutions that generate them.
Held under the theme "Connected Cohorts, Stronger Systems: Driving Africa's Health Transformation," the conference will explore how collaborative research can generate stronger evidence to guide health policy, improve health systems and accelerate sustainable development across the continent.
Beyond presenting scientific findings, delegates will examine practical approaches to multi-country research, data harmonisation, governance, and translating research evidence into policy and public health action. Discussions are also expected to shape the future direction of APCC as it expands its network and research agenda.
A distinctive feature of the meeting will be the Participants Forum, which places cohort participants at the centre of discussions about research priorities, ethics and community engagement. Organisers say the forum reflects a growing commitment to ensuring that research is conducted not only for African communities but also with their active participation.
The programme will include pre-conference workshops, keynote addresses, scientific presentations, poster sessions, collaborative workstream meetings and governance discussions designed to strengthen partnerships across the continent's research institutions.
Abstract submissions and conference registration are now open, with researchers, policymakers, development partners, civil society organisations and public health practitioners invited to participate. The abstract submission deadline is 8 August 2026, while conference registration closes on 30 September 2026.
Hosted by the Science for Africa Foundation, which serves as the consortium's secretariat, APCC is positioning Africa to play a leading role in population health research by creating a continent-wide evidence platform capable of informing policies, programmes and investments.
Photo courtesy: AAU
Article by Jed Mwangi
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