On 8 October 2026, the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) in collaboration with the host country and the Tana Forum Governance held an ambassadors’ and partners’ briefing ahead of the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa. The briefing brought together diplomatic representatives, partners, and other stakeholders to provide updates on the Forum’s programme, participation, and arrangements.

The 12th Tana Forum will take place from 23-25 October in Bahir Dar under the theme “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation.” Discussions will focus on resource wealth and monetary sovereignty for industrial development, African institutions and macroeconomic governance, and regional integration and illicit economies.

The Forum is expected to bring together around 250 participants, including sitting and former African heads of state and government, African Union, UN and EU officials, diplomats, academics, civil society representatives, private sector leaders, and youth and women’s networks.

The briefing also covered security arrangements, bilateral engagements, the format of discussions, the Chatham House Rule, and five optional side events scheduled for 23 October. The programme will also feature high-level panels, a state dinner hosted by the regional government, and the 2026 Meles Zenawi Public Lecture, which will pay tribute to Pan-African scholar and political figure Cheikh Anta Diop.

The session concluded with IPSS expressing appreciation to partners and development partners for their continued support to the Tana Forum and the Institute’s wider work in policy dialogue, research, and training.