How it started
ACED was founded in 2010 in Benin under the name Actions pour l’environnement et le développement durable by three university students – Olga Abloutan, the late Donald Houessou, and Fréjus Thoto. Our early work focused on field interventions such as youth agribusiness and climate adaptation.
We quickly saw that many NGO and government programs overlooked valuable research that could strengthen their impact. To bridge this gap, we began building action-research partnerships with universities including the University of Quebec in Montreal, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and the University of Abomey-Calavi.
In 2023, we rebranded as the African Center for Equitable Development to reflect the broader scope and transformative potential of our approach, which now extends beyond Benin and beyond environment and food security.
Who we are
We are a convener
We think and do
We are close to policymakers and practitioners
We focus on knowledge translation
How we do it
Our RAU Model – to solve human development challenges:
- We start by working with policymakers and practitioners to shape research that actually matters to them – that’s Relevance (R).
- Then, we translate that research into clear, digestible formats, delivered at the right time – that’s Accessibility (A).
- Finally, we work alongside governments and institutions to help them use that knowledge in decision-making – that’s Use (U).
Partner with us
Do you have a program aiming at advancing human development in Africa through better use of knowledge?
At ACED, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful transformation. Our unique model integrates rigorous research with practical application, emphasizing local expertise and inclusive engagement.
Our team
We have the required mix of expertise to deliver: Research, Science coms, Implementation, and Public policy. We are locals and understand the context. All our staff live and work in their native region.
Board
Operational team
Frejus Thoto
Executive Director
Rodrigue Castro Gbedomon
Director of research
Laurenda Todome
Director of Operations
Aminata Zong-Naba
Country Lead - Burkina Faso
Narcisse Kone
Country Lead - Ivory Coast
Alphonse Yambre
Senior Specialist, Human development
Elysée Houedjofonon
Senior Specialist, Evidence generation
Idelphonse Saliou
Researcher
Sidol Houngbo
Consultant, Agricultural economist
Ariel Houessou
Senior specialist, Knowledge translation
Martin Boton
Senior Specialist, Capacity Development
Jean-Marie Agossou
Field activities coordinator
Chanceline Tchibozo-Kekele
Specialist, Nature economy
Silvère Attannon
Specialist, Women empowerment
Kevin Ngoma-Yembi
Specialist, Digital economy
Eliakim Dohou
Assistant, Économie Digitale
Emmanuel Totin
Graphic designer
Raïssa Affo
Assistant, Food systems
Gisèle Ayivodji
Admin, Finance and Procurement Assistant
Sophie Zinsou
Finance Assistant
Qetsia Houessou
Communications & Partnerships Manager
Our impact
Our impact is felt through strengthened policies, empowered communities, and sustainable growth that prioritizes inclusivity and resilience.
Our funding
Acknowledgement of Funders from 2020-2025
$1,000,000+
- The Hewlett Foundation
- International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
$500,000 – $999,999
- The African Capacity Building Foundation
- The Bosch Foundation
$250,000 – $499,999
- French Development Agency (AFD)
- USAID
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Less than $250,000
- Fondation de France
- European Union