“We are on the right path as Africa continues to rise to its challenges. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic are still with us, but the pandemic has led Africa to take the opportunity to become self-reliant. I am confident that AUDA-NEPAD will continue to be on the forefront of Africa’s development path,” H.E Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda and Chairperson of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) declared in his opening statemen at the 39th session of the committee.

H.E Mr Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chairperson of the African Union, stated that, “We have to ensure that we have seamless implementation of Agenda 2063, together with the Regional Economic Communities and development partners for building the Africa We Want. We therefore need to mobilise resources and ensure we accelerate economic integration on the continent, keeping to the goals we set for ourselves, using technology, innovation and investment in human capacity. This 39th session of the HSGOC is key for economic integration of our continent.”

Speaking on the impact of AUDA-NEPAD on the continent, Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission remarked that, “There is now much greater capacity for achieving integration with the ability to adapt by the Agency and its improved delivery of results, despite the COVID-19 pandemic challenges of the past two years. It was demonstrated that we can have local solutions to local problems. We do not have enough words to thank Dr Ibrahim Mayaki for the work he has done.”

The President of Senegal, H.E Macky Sall also commended Dr Mayaki for his excellent work while at the helm of AUDA-NEPAD and announced that his country had decorated him with ‘the Order of the Lion’ in recognition of his achievements.

During the session, it was noted that AUDA-NEPAD had risen to meet challenges over the last 12 months with agility, resilience, and commitment. The outgoing CEO, Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, stated that, “The Agency’s prioritisation was through innovative solutions in health, education and food systems. As an institution, we have made continuous improvements as a development agency and most importantly, for those we serve.”

The 39th session of the HSGOC also saw the appointment of a new CEO for AUDA-NEPAD, whose name will be formally submitted at the upcoming African Union Assembly for endorsement.

In closing the session, H.E President Kagame gave a vote of thanks to Dr Mayaki. “Thanks to the outgoing Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, who has served AUDA-NEPAD with distinction. It has been a pleasure to work with you and we wish you success in your next chapter,” President Kagame said.

Note to editor

 About the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD

AUDA-NEPAD is the development agency of the African Union, coordinating and executing priority regional and continental development projects to promote regional integration towards the accelerated realisation of Agenda 2063 – Africa’s vision and action plan. It is mandated to strengthen capacity of Member States and regional bodies. www.nepad.org

For more media inquiries please contact:

Mwanja Ng’anjo  / Ag. Head of Communication /   African Union Development Agency-NEPAD/ Email: Mwanjan@nepad.org

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