MEDIA

Echoes from the field

ALSF Management Board approves Work Plan and Budget for 2020

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, 27th November 2019 - The Management Board of the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF or the Facility) met in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire to review the ALSF’s 2019 performance and consider and approve the Work Plan and Budget for 2020: In 2019, the ALSF had exceeded its planned number of projects by 22%, The Board endorsed the proposal to organize a Regional Member Countries’ meeting in February 2020 to discuss the future and sustainability of the Facility

In his opening remarks, Gaston Kenfack the ALSF Board Chairperson, , took the opportunity to congratulate and welcome the two new Board members, Eva Jhala and Nimatou Feliho. The ALSF Director, Stephen Karangizi also noted that the new members have a rich and extensive experience, and the ALSF team will leverage their expertise to deliver on the ALSF mandate.

The Board took note of and commended the ALSF team on the strong performance in 2019. In particular it was noted that the ALSF had exceeded its planned number of projects by 22%, and the projects were contributing significantly to the sustainable development of its Regional Member Countries (RMCs).

The members also provided further strategic guidance on key institutional and operational matters that will ensure that the Facility responds adequately and efficiently to the needs of the Regional Member Countries in the years ahead. Notably, the ALSF Board endorsed the proposal to organize a Regional Member Countries’ meeting in February 2020 to discuss the future and sustainability of the Facility, including expansion of its membership and modalities for RMCs’ contribution to the financial sustainability of the Facility. On the margins of this meeting, the ALSF will also undertake capacity building related activities for all the participants.

In their closing remarks, the Board members encouraged the ALSF management to continue to be innovative and strategic, focus on delivering relevant results, and adapt to new opportunities in the rapidly-changing environments of the Regional Member Countries.

About the ALSF and the Management Board
The ALSF’s Management Board is responsible for the efficient and effective conduct of all operations of the Facility, as well as the approval of its Budget and appointment of its Director. It comprises five members of high integrity and competence, who act in their individual capacity, and are appointed by the Governing Council for a three-year, non-renewable term. The current members of the Board include Gaston Kenfack (Cameroon), Eva Jhala (Zambia), Nimatou Feliho (Benin), Bruce Montador (Canada) and Mahomed Rafique (Mozambique).

About the ALSF
Created by the African Development Bank in 2010, the ALSF supports governments in negotiating complex commercial transactions, providing legal and technical assistance in public-private partnership projects across the oil and gas, mining and energy sectors, and covering sovereign debt issues and creditor litigation.

Contact us
Eve Ehoura, Communication Officer: e.ehoura@afdb.org