SPEAKERS:
1. H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & Chair of the CoDA Board of Directors
2. Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson, African Union Commission
3. H.E. Prof. Sarah Anyang, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, African Union Commission
4. Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman, Board of Trustees, AFREXIMBANK & Chairman, Board of Trustees for the AU COVID-19 Response Fund
5. Dr John Nkengasong, Director, Africa CDC
6. & community leaders, faith leaders, civil society, and youth representatives

WHEN: Monday, 19 April 2021 & Tuesday, 20 April 2021

TIME: 4.30–6.30 pm EAT | 3.30–5.30 pm SAST | 1.30–3.30 pm GMT

WHERE: Virtual via Zoom at https://bit.ly/3vWOxp6

Background Information
This dialogue brings together scientists, researchers, academics, faith leaders, traditional leaders, civil society, and the youth to discuss and answer key questions regarding how to strengthen Africa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide strong recommendations on how the African Union and other pan-African institutions can work together to facilitate equitable access to vaccines and vaccination in Africa now and in the future. The dialogue will also highlight and propose valid and actionable policies to empower African youth in the post-COVID-19 era.

Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in Arabic, English, French and Portuguese.

Journalists who connect to the dialogue through the Zoom link will be given opportunity to ask questions using the Q&A function.

Journalists are invited to connect and attend the on Monday & Tuesday at 4.30 pm EAT.

Media inquiries:

Mr Molalet Tsedeke; Tel: 0911-630631; Email: molalett@africa-union.org; Directorate of Information and Communication; AU Commission

Mr Oladipo Johnson; Tel: +251 912643305; Email: johnsonol@africa-union.org; CoDA

About the African Union
The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en

About Africa CDC
Africa CDC is a specialized technical institution of the African Union which supports Member States in their efforts to strengthen health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response, prevention and control of diseases. Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org

About CoDA
The Coalition for Dialogue on Africa (CoDA) was established in March 2009 as an independent international forum which identifies and discusses issues related to Africa’s development in a global context. It is a platform for dialogue and debates that bring together various actors into African Union intergovernmental conversations in a structured manner. It promotes open, direct and inclusive dialogue with a view to giving the continent a greater voice on issues relating to peace, security, governance and development matters in Africa. CoDA is a special initiative of the African Union, African Development Bank, African Export Import Bank, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It is headquartered within the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and operates as an independent institution that furthers the work of all the four institutions. Learn more at: https://codafrica.org/about-coda/