MEDIA

Echoes from the field

African Legal Support Facility Governing Council and Management Board meets in Busan

Busan, Korea, 22 May 2018 — The African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) held its 25th Management Board and 9th Governing Council meetings on 20 and 21 May 2018 respectively, on the margins of the 2018 African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Busan, Korea. The members reviewed the 2017 activities of the ALSF and discussed the future plans for the institution. 
 
The Board approved, and the Governing Council subsequently endorsed the 2017 Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements. Regarding the implementation of ALSF projects, the members took note of the increased volume and effectiveness of the Facility’s work. The Board and Governing Council members also recognized the growing demand for ALSF’s services. They underscored importance of the Facility in the years ahead. To respond effectively to the Regional Member Countries (RMCs) needs, the Board and Governing Council members observed that it will be imperative for the Facility to meaningfully engage with various stakeholders as well as continue to be creative, innovative and efficient.
 
On behalf of the ALSF Governing Council members, the Chairperson and African Development Bank Senior Vice President, Charles Boamah thanked out-going Board member, Amadou Dieng for his dedication and excellent contribution to the Facility. Board members also extended the mandate of the current Chairperson of the ALSF Board, Dorcas Achapa for another year.
 
Following the Governing Council meetings, the ALSF launched the ‘Understanding Power Project Procurement Handbook.’  In his remarks, ALSF Director, Stephen Karangizi observed that the fourth edition of the handbook series establishes the principles and best practices which will help ensure that procurements remain affordable, competitive, and responsive to RMCs’ priorities.
 
The ALSF team is engaged in a number of bilateral talks with ministerial counterparts of Regional Member Countries, donors and partner international institutions during the week.
 
About ALSF
 
The African Legal Support Facility is an international organization hosted by the African Development Bank Group. The Facility is dedicated to providing legal advice and technical assistance to African countries in their negotiation of complex commercial transactions, creditor litigation and other related sovereign transactions. The ALSF also develops and proposes innovative tools for capacity building and knowledge management.
 
 
Contact: Timothy Wasswa Kabugo, African Legal Support Facility, t.wasswa@afdb.org