Vision
To be Africa's premier hub to advance evidence-informed policy and development.
Who we are
An independent evidence center turning research into better policy across Ethiopia and Africa.
CESDA is an independent evidence center founded by champions of evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) with 20+ years of collective experience in research, policy, and development. We work to transform how evidence informs policy and programming across Ethiopia and Africa.
Mission
To drive evidence-informed decision-making in Africa by ensuring access to high-quality policy-relevant evidence, empowering policymakers and programmers, and fostering collaboration for equitable and sustainable development.
Core values
Our work is anchored in integrity, professionalism, and ethical practice. We support the achievement of high-impact policy outcomes through a dedication to excellence, utilising participatory and collaborative frameworks that bring diverse voices to the table.
What we do
Generating, synthesising & translating evidence for EIDM
Evidence generation
Evidence synthesis
Knowledge translation
Strengthening international, regional & national collaboration
Networks & communities of practice
Convenings & dialogues
Co-created knowledge
Capacity strengthening for evidence-informed decision-making
Comprehensive Systematic Review (CSRTP)
Scoping Review
Rapid Review
Policy Brief
Introduction to EIDM
Mentorship & institutional support
Evidence & publications
Teenage Pregnancy in Oromia
CESDA completed a comprehensive study of the factors driving teenage pregnancy, and strategies to prevent it, in Oromia, Ethiopia.
Peer-reviewed publications
Selected articles by CESDA researchers in international journals.
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ESIC Series: Paper 7. Capacity sharing in evidence synthesis: recommendations from the Evidence Synthesis Infrastructure Collaborative
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ESIC Series: Paper 4. Data sharing and reuse in evidence synthesis
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Perspectives on the definition of ‘evidence’: a qualitative interview study among interest-holders
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Effectiveness of conditional cash transfers for uptake and retention in PMTCT services in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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Self-medication practices in Ethiopia: an umbrella review protocol
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Mortality and associated factors among children with HIV/TB co-infection in African countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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Improving control of the Mpox outbreak: knowledge, attitudes and influencing factors among frontline healthcare professionals in Ethiopia
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Willingness to take Mpox vaccine among health professionals in Ethiopia
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Acute malnutrition among children aged 6–59 months in West Wollega, Oromia, 2024
Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition 44:319 · DOI · PubMed
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Gender disparity in health-related quality of life among people living with HIV in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
News & Insights
Systematic Review Training in Adama
The JBI Ethiopian Knowledge Translation Center for Health and Development, hosted by CESDA, completed the second round of its 2026 comprehensive systematic review training in Adama, Ethiopia.
HPV Evidence Repository User Test
On 1 August 2026, CESDA held a user test of its HPV evidence repository at Eliana Hotel, Addis Ababa.
Africa Evidence Summit 2026
CESDA took part in the 2026 Africa Evidence Summit, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Collaboration with the Ministry of Education
The CESDA team held constructive meetings with senior officials of the Ethiopian Ministry of Education.
Teenage Pregnancy Study with GTF
CESDA signed an agreement with the Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF) to study the factors driving teenage pregnancy, and strategies to prevent it, in Oromia, Ethiopia.
Africa Evidence Leadership Award
Firmaye Bogale received the 2024 Africa Evidence Leadership Award for her contribution to evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM).
Our partners
JBI Joanna Briggs Institute
ALIVE Future Evidence
Brink Foundation
PACE Pan African Collective for Evidence
ACRES Center for Rapid Evidence Synthesis
OHB Oromia Health Bureau
Pioneer College
OEB Oromia Education Bureau
JU Jimma University
Get in touch
Email us
info@cesdaf.org
We respond within 1–2 business days
Visit us
Lideta Sub city, Woreda 9, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Serving partners across Africa
Partner with us to turn evidence into impact.
Let's co-create rigorous, policy-relevant evidence for equitable and sustainable development.