Press Release - Courtesy Call by the World Bank Practice Manager in Charge of Africa Environment and Fisheries to the Director of AU-IBAR

he World Bank Practice Manager in charge of Africa Environmental and Fisheries, Ms Magda Lovei paid courtesy call on the Director of AU-IBAR, Professor Ahmed El-sawalhy. The meeting took place in the premises of AU-IBAR on the 19th May 2016.

The Director of AU-IBAR welcomed the World Bank Practice Manager and expressed appreciation for the excellent collaboration with the Bank in the successful implementation of the GEF/World Bank funded programme "Strategic Partnership for Fisheries Investment Fund (SPFIF)" that was implemented from 2007 to 2011 in collaboration with FAO and WWF. Without doubt, the AU-IBAR Director noted, this programme initiated the growing institutional collaboration in the management of Africa fisheries as well as created awareness on the importance of good governance in the management of Africa large marine ecosystems. In her Remarks, the World Bank Practice Manager, Ms Magda Lovei, expressed delight at being welcome at AU-IBAR to meet with collaborating partners. She assured the AU-IBAR Director of the Bank’s continuing commitment in fisheries development on the continent for improved transparency in order to harness the potential of the sector for improved food security and economic growth. Both the Director and Ms. Magda Lovei noted the importance of collaboration and coordination between the two institutions as was manifested by the very successful outcome of the jointly organized workshop, held in Elmina, Ghana, March 2016, on enhancing African journalists’ skills in accurately communicating issues in fisheries.

The meeting ended by both leaders reaffirming their commitment to work together:

  1. To ensure rationale and effective implementation of the newly approved project "Regional Partnership for African Fisheries Policy Reform (RAFIP)" for the benefits of the continent;
  2. To improve coordination between the two institutions in the interventions of fisheries, especially at regional levels;
  3. To endeavor to establish and maintain appropriate channels of communication between the two institutions;
  4. To organize periodic discussions between the relevant technical teams from the two institutions and share work plans;

Present were Mr. Edward Dwumfou, the Senior Natural Resources Management and Environment Specialist from the World Bank Kenyan Office in Nairobi and from AU-IBAR were Dr. Simplice Nouala, the Chief Animal Production Officer, Dr. Baboucarr Jaw, the Coordinator of Veterinary Governance Project, Dr. Mohamed Seisay, Senior Fisheries Officer, Mr. Obinna Anozie, Policy Analyst, Fisheries and Aquaculture and Dr. Aboubacar Sidibe, Project Officer – Fisheries Resources Management