Four notable appointments were unveiled recently amid efforts to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of food systems in Africa to improve livelihoods and food security.
Some of the appointments saw major organizations in the food systems space being led for the first time by an African woman or man. Below is the full list:
Dr. Elianne Ubalijoro
The Rwanda-born research scientist became the first African woman CEO of the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF).
While at the helm, Dr. Ubalijoro is keen to expand the use of high-resolution satellite data and artificial intelligence to strengthen CIFOR-ICRAF’s work.
“I see CIFOR-ICRAF as a critical institution, poised to accelerate its research and impact, leading the way to achieve the 2030 goals by harnessing the potential of forestry and agroforestry to create ecosystems that generate prosperity, sustainably,” she said in a statement.
Professor Appolinaire Djikeng
Professor Djikeng is the new Director General of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) effective April 3, 2023. The Cameroonian scientist is the first African to hold the position. He will also serve as CGIAR Senior Director of Livestock-Based Systems.
‘‘Livestock development is very close to me personally and it is a huge honour and privilege to take the helm of the world’s leading livestock research and development organization, focused on improving outcomes for farmers, addressing challenges related to our environment and the sustainable use of natural resources, and delivering solutions to our increasingly vulnerable food systems,” he said in a statement.
Dr. Simeon Ehui
Effective August 1, 2023, Dr. Simeon Ehui will be the new Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Regional Director for Continental Africa for the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR).
“Critical scientific research is essential as poverty, hunger, and climate and biodiversity crises are escalating. Africa needs to enhance its potential to feed itself and make its food systems more resilient to climate change. I see myself as a broker across research-for-development among scientists, policymakers, and economists and linking science with program implementation at the global, regional, and national levels,” he said. Read more
Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki
The African Union Commission (AUC) has appointed Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger, as its Special Envoy for Food Systems. Dr. Mayaki is also the former CEO of the African Union’s Development Agency, AUDA-NEPAD.
“The role will work closely with the African Union Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment. Together they will lead and advise technical consultations leading to the launching of a Continental action plan for rolling out and integrating the Africa Common Position on Food Systems into new national agriculture investment and development plans,” said a statement by the AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.