To reform global financial architecture: Akere Muna to share expertise on building Africa’s legal capacity in Kenya.

The African Legal Support Facility, it should be said, was created in 2008, with the support of the African Development Bank, AfDB, to support African countries in negotiating complex debt and natural resources and investment transactions.

The strategic event, it should be said, is part of the African Development Bank Group’s, AfDB, 2024 Annual Meeting. 

According to a document sent by organisers, the event will also be used to officially launch the 2024 Sovereign Debt handbook. 

The meeting will also feature insights from African Legal Support Facility Goodwill Ambassador, Barrister Akere Muna. 

The eminent international legal consultant, fervent defender of transparency and committed anti-corruption icon, it should be recalled, was appointed Goodwill Ambassador of the ALSF, by the Governing Council of the institution, early this year. 

Akere Muna’s appointment was the firstin the history of the young institution that is committed to building sustainable legal capacity on the African continent.

ALSF officials had expressed the firm believe that Akere Muna's expertise, network and voice will amplify its action and visibility on the various member countries and on the international stage as well as mark the beginning of a new era for the institution.  

Focus of Breakfast meeting 

The ALSF Breakfast Meeting, organisers say, will also be a veritable opportunity to engage with African finance ministers, government officials, financial partners, and legal practitioners to drive Africa’s legal capacity in global financial reform. 

The meeting will be opened by the Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer at the African Development Bank, Ms. Hassatou Diop N’sele. 

This will be followed by a fireside chat with ALSF’s Goodwill Ambassador, Akere Muna. The fireside chat, according to the official programme, will be moderated by the Chairperson of ALSF Management Board, Manisha Dookhony. 

It will also feature a panel discussion on Building Africa’s Legal Capacity for Reform of the Global Financial Architecture. 

The roundtable will have as panelists the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Cabo Verde, Hon Dr Olava Avelino Garcia Carreia and the Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion of Zimbabwe, Hon Mthuli Ncube.

The panel discussion is expected to be moderated by member of African Legal Support Facility Management Board, Dr Felister Kivisi. 

The event will also include the presentation of the 2024 Sovereign Debt handbook with focus on: “Understanding Sovereign Debt in Africa: Options and opportunities for Africa”. The presentation will be done by the Head of Operations at African Legal Support Facility, Ms. Maude Vallee. 

The event will wrap up with remarks from the Director and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of African Legal Support Facility, Olivier Pognon.

“With Muna by our side, we strengthen our front in terms of our ability to generate goodwill and support in favour of the Facility in its efforts to accomplish its unique mandate,” the Chairperson of ALSFGoverning Council, Stephane Mousset, had said.

Akere Muna’s vision, network and wealth of experience, the Governing Council Chairperson had added, “will not only reinforce the ALSF’s management but also benefit our beneficiaries and partners through the institutionalisation of a constructive dialogue”.

Commenting back then on his appointment, Barrister Akere Muna, had said he embraces the challenge and fully “understand the scale of the task that awaits me”.

Akere Muna had confirmed his readiness to tackle the tasks ahead “with all the necessary commitment and rigour”. 

“Our unity and solidarity will allow us to succeed in making a significant difference in the protection of Africa's legal interests,” Akere Muna he added. 

Akere Muna, square peg in a square hole 

Akere Muna’s profile and mastery of not only continental but global legal issues, it should be said, makes him a square peg in a square hole, as Goodwill Ambassador of ALSF. 

A fervent defender of transparency, Akere Muna’s role at ALSF, will make the institution embody Africa’s endeavours to establish economic justice, promote equity in international contracts, and equip African governments with the legal skills required in complex environments.

Akere Muna will not only actively promote the organisation in carrying out his duties, but also assist the ALSF in mobilising resources to make its services accessible to member countries. 

With his vast network and expertise, Akere Muna will also inspire other leading figures on the continent to firmly engage alongside the ALSF in its pan-African ambitions.

About ALSF

The ALSF was created in 2008 with the support of the African Development Bank, AfDB, to support African countries in negotiating complex debt and natural resources and investment transactions. 

The organisation plays a crucial role in levelling the legal playing field for African nations and their counterparties. 

The organisation stands as a pioneer in the legal arsenal of African states and is uniquely positioned to restore a fairness in the exploitation of the continent's natural resources and to assist African countries to effectively manage their sovereign debt.