In order to bring CAFRAD, the Pan-African Intergovernmental Organization, out of its lethargy and provide it with new strategies better adapted to the new VUCA context VICA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity), with a view to its transformation and the strengthening of its institutional capacities, the 59th ordinary session of the Board of Directors, held in Rabat, on July 9, 2024, has, following a very rigorous selection process, elected Dr. Coffi Dieudonné ASSOUVI as the new Director-General of this prestigious Organization, created in 1962 before the Organization of African Unity (OAU), current African Union, the first to be dedicated to the construction, reinvention and continuous modernization of administration and governance systems in Africa as well as the harmonization and Africanization of the training of senior state executives.

The election of Dr. Coffi Dieudonné ASSOUVI, a transformative, transformational and adaptive leader, by a large majority of Ministers present at the session, marks a new era for the Organization. It provoked unprecedented enthusiasm from all involved Member States and partners of CAFRAD.

This election also testifies to the desire of the Board of CAFRAD to build another CAFRAD equipped with adequate legal, institutional, human and financial resources to promote Excellency in post-graduate education and prepare the next generation of high civil servants and leaders in the field of public administration.

Dr. Coffi Dieudonné ASSOUVI, relying on the trust placed in him by CAFRAD Board members and the hope aroused by his election, is undertaking the complete and profound reform of the Organization with the aim of making it a center of unique excellence in terms of structural, systemic, digital and intelligent transformation of African public and private administrations, a factor of regional integration and a basis for sustainable and inclusive development.

Thus, his interest and good skills for high quality teaching, training, university pedagogy, and andragogy as well as for research, development and innovation will allow him to ensure the implementation of training and research programs in line with the real development challenges of African countries.

A graduate of the National School of Administration (ÉNA) of the French Republic, Promotion Emile ZOLA 2008-2010 and SORBONNE University (Paris IV), Dr. Coffi Dieudonné ASSOUVI is among the world elite, an influential leader in the field of public administration and training in Africa. He is committed to putting his rich experiences, expertise and coherent vision at the service of the Organization to the development of Africa in the 21st century. With his knowledge, skills and talents acquired during his rich, diverse and distinguished career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership through his academic, professional contributions and his community and humanist commitments.

The election of Dr. ASSOUVI is therefore an important step for CAFRAD, which must continue to play a crucial role in the excellent quality training of future African leaders. His leadership and expertise will be essential in guiding the Center to transform multiple and complex challenges into opportunities and to explore its full potential.

CAFRAD, with Dr. ASSOUVI at its head, will continue to dedicate itself to the mission of ensuring high quality training in accordance with international norms and standards and preparing its target groups to excel in the field of public administration, governance and development.

With the Director General, CAFRAD becomes a leading Center of Excellence, a school of application, production of innovative ideas, actionable knowledge, development of skills and talents in the service of solving the development problems of African countries as well as the implementation of the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations 2030 SDGs.

An engaged thinker and reflective practitioner, Dr. ASSOUVI distinguishes himself by: Engage-Excel-Innovate.

To this end, he is invested with extensive personal authority:

– Strategic leader with political acumen and excellent negotiation skills who excels in the art of forging strong and successful alliances and partnerships;

– Emissary on the national, regional and international scene demonstrating broad knowledge of the government apparatus and African development issues;

– An honest and credible communicator who cultivates a space for dialogue and mutual respect;

– Leader with a deep understanding of academic, economic and social issues as well as current trends, emerging technologies and (innovative) best practices in teaching and learning, training, research and consulting;

– Visionary capable of developing and conveying strategic directions while embodying his values;

– Seasoned expert in entrepreneurial and agile planning and management who values ​​results and performance;

– Recognized for his creative, proactive spirit, which promotes a climate of innovation, supports research in interdisciplinarity, transdisciplinarity and multidisciplinarity and promotes its results;

– Unifying, responsible and courageous manager capable of cultivating an inclusive and motivating environment;

– Architect of success dedicated to the development and well-being of stakeholders;

– Facilitator who inspires and engages the community in a process of continuous improvement.

With Dr. ASSOUVI, CAFRAD puts ethics, equity, sustainability, agility and inclusion at the heart of public action.