On August 30th, the AUDA-NEPAD hosted a gala dinner at our offices in Johannesburg, South Africa to mark to welcome the newly appointed CEO of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), bid farewell to outgoing African Ambassadors based in South Africa, and extend a warm welcome to the incoming Ambassadors. 

The CEO of the AUDA-NEPAD, H.E. Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, took the opportunity to warmly introduce and congratulate Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, the new CEO of the APRM. In her remarks, H.E. Ms. Bekele-Thomas highlighted Ambassador Quatre's appointment as a testament to her exceptional leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to promoting good governance across the African continent. 

"We are thrilled to have you at the helm of the APRM and look forward to working closely together for a more prosperous Africa," said Ms. Bekele-Thomas, underscoring the importance of collaboration in achieving the shared goals of the African Union.

The gala also served as an emotional moment of transition as we bid farewell to the outgoing African Ambassadors who have played a pivotal role in strengthening diplomatic ties and advancing the objectives of both their respective countries and the African Union. In a heartfelt address, H.E. Ms. Bekele-Thomas expressed her deep appreciation for their contributions. 

"Tonight, we bid a fond farewell to those Ambassadors who will soon be leaving. Your contributions have been crucial in enhancing our collaboration and advancing the goals of both your countries and the African Union. While we will miss you, we are excited for the new opportunities that await you and wish you every success in your future endeavors. As we navigate these transitions, let us renew our commitment to the shared values and aspirations that unite us," she said. 

The evening was not just about farewells and welcomes; it was also a platform for reflection and forward-looking discussions. Our Director of Strategy, Mohamed Abdisalam, briefed the assembled African Ambassadors and partners on the agency's significant strides over the years. From the operationalization of the African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy to the deployment of climate-smart agriculture and the enhancement of health systems across the continent, these efforts represent crucial steps toward realizing the aspirations of Agenda 2063. 

The briefing underscored AUDA-NEPAD's unwavering commitment to resilient urban green infrastructure, transboundary water cooperation, sustainable agriculture, infrastructure development, and more. These initiatives are not only aligned with Africa's vision for a prosperous future but also reflect our dedication to creating a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive continent. 

The gala dinner was a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation and shared vision that drives AUDA-NEPAD and its partners. As we welcome new leadership and bid farewell to esteemed colleagues, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing the development agenda for a united and prosperous Africa.