The extension of the mandate, from 2022 to 2036, follows its laudable achievements, the growing demand for its exceptional services, and the relevance of its support to African countries in dealing with the impacts of issues such as Covid-19 and climate change.

The Governing Council is the supreme body of the ALSF, which meets once a year. It is made up of 12 members representing both its member states and international organizations.

They are responsible for examining the activities of the past year as well as proposals for the continuation of its program and the efficiency of its operations.

The Council expressed confidence that this decision will give an impetus to the ASLF and enable it to intensify its essential support to African countries and to achieve the objectives set at its creation.

The Board also approved several reports, including the 2020 annual report, a progress report on the implementation of projects, and various internal policies.

Despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, ASLF approved 39 projects in 2020, in the sovereign debt, power, and extractive industries sectors.

It also provided legal and technical support to Somalia in negotiations that resulted in the cancellation of approximately 58% of the country’s debt to private creditors.

A story on the website of the African Development Bank (AfDB) says the ALSF has also supported green energy projects, including legal and technical support to Eswatini in the first competitive procurement process for the installation of a 40-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant.

The members of the Management Board and of the Governance Council expressed their satisfaction with the solid performance of the ASLF and praised the responsiveness, relevance and effectiveness of the team in the face of the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in its areas of intervention in regional member countries.

The Management Board and the Governance Board called on the ASLF to continue to support the efforts of economic recovery and sustainable development of African countries, by tackling the problems of climate change and strengthening its support for cross-cutting issues, such as environmental and social protection, gender equality and good governance.

ASLF Director and CEO, Stephen Karangizi, praised the dedication and accessibility of the Management Board and Governance Board members over the years. He thanked them for the confidence placed in the ALSF team in continuing its essential work and assured them of the team’s commitment and determination to intensify its efforts to achieve the goals of the ALSF.

The Management Board is responsible for all operations of the ASLF. It approves the budget and appoints the director. It is composed of five members: Dr Gaston Kenfack Douajni, the President, Ms Eva Jhala, Ms. Nimatou Feliho, Ms Christine Agimba, and Ambassador Arve Ofstad.

The current Governance Council is made up of representatives from Morocco, Guinea, Eswatini, Burundi, Tanzania, the African Development Bank, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.

The college of international organizations was represented at this meeting by the African Financial Corporation (AFC). (PANA/NAN)

– June 01, 2021 @ 10:33 GMT