Chief Executive Officer for the Africa Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA- NEPAD) @NEPAD_Agency
Pretoria, South Africa
Joined February 2013
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Africa’s development priorities are clear. The challenge is translating them into projects that attract investment, create opportunities and deliver lasting economic transformation.
That was central to my discussions in Addis Ababa with H.E. Ms Birgitt Ory, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
Germany has been a longstanding partner of AUDA-NEPAD, supporting critical initiatives across infrastructure, energy, skills development, and agriculture.
Our discussions focused on building on this foundation, with greater emphasis on mobilising private investment, developing bankable infrastructure projects, strengthening regional energy connectivity, advancing climate-resilient agriculture and expanding opportunities for Africa’s young people.
The next phase of our partnership must move beyond traditional development assistance towards investment-driven cooperation that strengthens African institutions and accelerates the implementation of our continental development priorities.
By connecting Germany’s technical expertise and investment capabilities with Africa’s development ambitions, we can create new pathways for sustainable growth, regional integration and economic opportunity across the continent.
#AUDANEPAD #AfricaGermany #Agenda2063 #InvestInAfrica #SustainableDevelopment
The strength of the Africa-Europe partnership will ultimately be measured by what we deliver, not simply what we commit to.
I met with H.E. Ambassador Javier Niño Pérez, the European Union Ambassador to the African Union, to discuss how we can turn shared ambitions into tangible development outcomes for Africa.
Our discussions focused on strengthening our strategic partnership and accelerating progress in areas critical to Africa’s development, including regional infrastructure, energy connectivity, agricultural transformation, climate resilience, health sovereignty, youth employment and investment mobilisation.
Our partnership with the EU offers an opportunity to deepen cooperation beyond financing through institutional strengthening, technical collaboration, capacity development, and strategic investment in bankable projects that advance Africa’s priorities and drive sustainable, African-led development.
At AUDA-NEPAD, we remain committed to translating our partnerships into measurable results that advance Agenda 2063 and deliver meaningful improvements in the lives of African citizens.
Africa–Latin America cooperation offers an important opportunity to strengthen the investment, knowledge and business connections that support Africa’s transformation.
I was pleased to meet with H.E. Raúl Santiago Ailán, Ambassador of Argentina to South Africa, to explore how we can give greater substance to this partnership through South–South cooperation and private sector engagement.
Our discussion considered opportunities in energy, agriculture and SME development, connecting Argentina’s expertise and enterprise with Africa’s development priorities under Agenda 2063.
For AUDA-NEPAD, the next step is to identify concrete areas where these connections can take root—bringing institutions and businesses together around mutually beneficial opportunities that strengthen productive capacity and create jobs.
@NEPAD_Agency @EmbARGENTINA
#AUDANEPAD #Agenda2063 #SouthSouthCooperation #AfricaLatinAmerica #Argentina
Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS retweeted
TRUST IS OUR FIRST DELIVERABLE. EVERYTHING ELSE IS BUILT UPON IT...
What does it take to build trust in our leaders, institutions and the systems that shape our lives?
At the #TrustSummit 2026, taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 21–23 October, AUDA-NEPAD CEO H.E. @nardosbthomas shares a message that trust is not simply a value, it is infrastructure.
Drawing on more than 45 years of experience in development, she makes the case for transparent institutions, ethical leadership and people-centred public service as the foundations of trust.
🎥 Watch and discover why building trust must be at the heart of Africa’s transformation.
Let us make trust the foundation of our collective action.
#TrustSummit2026 #AUDA_NEPAD #Agenda2063 #Trust #AfricaRising
Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS retweeted
Africa’s development journey is built through partnerships that turn shared ambition into collective action.
Today, our AUDA-NEPAD and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, @DIRCO_ZA convened a Joint Retreat to deepen our strategic partnership and advance South Africa’s contribution to Africa’s development agenda.
Building on the outcomes of our 2024 engagement, the retreat provides an opportunity to review progress, strengthen institutional coordination and identify priority areas for enhanced cooperation.
As South Africa, a founding member and host country of our AUDA-NEPAD continues to Chair the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative (PICI) and the AU Ministerial Committee on Agenda 2063, discussions will focus on accelerating infrastructure development, mobilising resources and strengthening political alignment.
The retreat was opened by the Director-General in the Presidency, Ms Phindi Baleni, and our CEO of AUDA-NEPAD, Ms @nardosbthomas.
Together, we are advancing the implementation of Agenda 2063 and helping shape an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, The Africa We Want.
#AUDA_NEPAD #DIRCO #Agenda2063 #AfricanDevelopment #TheAfricaWeWant
Today, I joined Ms Phindi Baleni, Director-General in the Presidency, to open the AUDA-NEPAD–DIRCO Technical Retreat, building on our 2024 engagement to strengthen this important partnership.
South Africa occupies a special place in the NEPAD story. As a founding member, it helped champion Africa’s determination to take charge of its development. As our host country, it has provided a home from which that ambition serves the continent.
Twenty-five years later, the responsibility we share is to ensure that the institution built from that vision has the strength and support to fulfil its mandate. Our engagement is an opportunity to renew the political backing, cooperation and African ownership essential to advancing Agenda 2063.
I thank the Government and people of South Africa for their enduring commitment to AUDA-NEPAD. I look forward to our teams translating this partnership into a focused programme of work that serves South Africa and the wider continent.
@DIRCO_ZA @PresidencyZA @NEPAD_Agency
#AUDANEPAD #DIRCO #Agenda2063 #NEPAD25
Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS retweeted
1/2 I am grateful for the support received from UN Security Council members. Reported results again place me ahead, with consistent backing since July’s first vote. I will keep working with every member to build the consensus needed.
Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS retweeted
At the #WBGMeetings Development Committee plenary. On behalf of the AUC Chaiperson; H.E @ymahmoudali, I stressed that we must equip our workforce with the skills and capacities needed for the digital age, foster deeper regional integration, and strengthen partnerships to drive sustainable growth. The time to act is now. #TheAfricaWeWant #SpringMeetings2025
Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS retweeted
In Bangkok today, many thanks to the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation and the Nkafu Policy Institute and their policy partners - Partnership for Economic Policy (pep), African Center for Economic Transition (@AcetforAfrica), and Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (@csea_afric) - for honoring me with the Trailblazer for Africa Award in recognition of international-level policy work and leadership over my career that benefits Africa. Many thanks to Dr. @DenisForetia for a very thoughtful and moving citation.
Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS retweeted
At the IMF-WB Annual Meetings in Bangkok, with @IMFnews MD Kristalina @KGeorgieva and her team. Discussing trends in the global economy and global trade and @wto - IMF collaboration.
Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS retweeted
AUDA-NEPAD, END Fund Partner to Accelerate Fight Against Tropical Diseases
AUDA-NEPAD and the END Fund have signed a strategic partnership to accelerate the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) across Africa, with a focus on mobilising sustainable financing, strengthening country-led programmes and advancing coordinated action to protect the continent’s progress against the diseases.
👉👉🔗 tinyurl.com/2vw6nesd
@NEPAD_Agency @_AfricanUnion @nardosbthomas @Adam_Alqali
#AUDA_NEPA #NTDs #GlobalHealth #HealthFinancing #Africa #AfricanDevelopment
Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS retweeted
From ambition to delivery: Africa’s next chapter
In Berlin, our CEO, @nardosbthomas had the privilege of meeting with the African Group of Ambassadors for a conversation rooted in partnership, shared responsibility and Africa’s determination to shape its own future.
The setting was especially meaningful. As we mark 25 years since the founding of NEPAD, Africa is reflecting not only on how far we have come, but on what the next chapter demands.
In Alamein, Egypt, the five NEPAD founding members met at this level for the first time since 2010. We described that moment as a “Second Founding Moment” a renewed commitment to reposition our AUDA-NEPAD as Africa’s delivery engine for Agenda 2063.
Because our challenge is no longer a lack of ambition. Africa has articulated its vision clearly.
Our challenge is delivery: turning commitments into bankable projects, investments, jobs, stronger institutions and better lives for our people.
The progress is tangible. Our programme portfolio has grown from approximately US$30 million to more than US$300 million over the past four years, with an ambition to reach US$1 billion by 2029.
But delivery requires ownership, partnerships and predictable African financing.
To Africa’s Ambassadors, we extended a clear invitation: be not only ambassadors of Africa’s priorities abroad, but ambassadors of implementation — connecting institutions, partners and opportunities to the places where continental support can unlock national progress.
The next measure of success will be what our people can see, use and build upon.
Let us make Africa’s next chapter not only a story of ambition, but a record of delivery. We thank Dr. Mohamed El-Badri, Ambassador of the @embassy_egypt and our host Mr. Igor César, @Cesar_Igor_ , Ambassador of the @RwandaInGermany and Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors in Berlin for making our engagement possible.
#Agenda2063 #AUDA_NEPAD #NEPAD25 #AfricaWeWant #AfricanLeadership #Development #Partnerships #Delivery
In my meeting with H.E. Dr Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Egypt’s Minister of Health and Population, we explored how Africa could draw greater value from the expertise already present on our continent. Our exchange covered pharmaceutical manufacturing, specialist training for doctors and nurses, and opportunities for advanced education in artificial intelligence.
For AUDA-NEPAD, there is considerable potential in the connections between these fields. A manufacturing facility, a medical training institution or a research centre can serve a much wider community through shared expertise and stronger links across borders.
Egypt’s experience offered useful perspectives on those possibilities—and on how African cooperation could contribute to more accessible medicines and better care.
#AfricanCooperation #HealthSecurity #MadeInAfrica #Agenda2063
I valued the opportunity to meet African ambassadors in Berlin. Our diplomatic missions bring an essential perspective to Africa’s development agenda: an understanding of national priorities, alongside direct engagement with Germany’s policy, business and development communities. Their work can help ensure that partnerships reflect the realities of our countries while advancing the interests we share as a continent.
For AUDA-NEPAD, closer ties with our missions can help connect continental programmes with opportunities for investment, technical cooperation and skills development. This relationship matters because African ownership also means shaping how partnerships are designed and whose priorities they serve.
My sincere thanks to H.E. Dr Mohamed Elbadri, Ambassador of Egypt to Germany @embassy_egypt , and H.E. @Cesar_Igor_, Ambassador of Rwanda to Germany @RwandaInGermany, and to all Their Excellencies for their engagement and commitment to advancing Africa’s interests.
@NEPAD_Agency @_AfricanUnion
#Egypt #Rwanda #Agenda2063 #AfricanDiplomacy #EconomicDiplomacy #AfricaGermany
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Africa and Europe are working together on health to keep us all safer.
At the 4th AU–EU High-Level Steering Meeting on Health, co-hosted by our AUDA-NEPAD with @EU_Commission, @BMZ_Bund, @_AfricanUnion, @AfricaCDC, @AU_AMA_, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to:
💊 Sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa
🔬 Health research, skills, and jobs
🆘 Stronger responses to pandemics and emergencies
🦾 Resilient health systems and better access to sexual and reproductive health services
As our CEO, @nardosbthomas stated:
“Africa must help shape the health technologies it uses and share in the value they create.”
She also underscored the importance of African ownership, stronger pharmaceutical production, health data governance, digital health, AI, and regulatory cooperation.
Together, Africa and Europe can build more resilient, equitable health systems and more secure supply chains.
Learn more: youtu.be/OEs7mp4mFn4?si=_sUX…
#AUEUHealthPartnership #GlobalGateway #HealthForAll #HealthSecurity
Africa must help shape the health technologies it uses—and share in the value they create.
At the Fourth AU–EU High-Level Steering Meeting on Health, I called for a partnership anchored in African ownership and shared strategic interests. Investing in Africa’s pharmaceutical production, scientific institutions and health systems strengthens our continent’s resilience while contributing to more secure supply chains and better preparedness for both Africa and Europe.
In our discussions on digital health and artificial intelligence, I emphasised that Africa must govern its health data, shape the tools built on it and benefit from the knowledge and innovation it enables.
AUDA-NEPAD’s work on medicines regulatory harmonisation and shared safety surveillance demonstrates what becomes possible when African institutions build together.
@NEPAD_Agency @_AfricanUnion @AfricaCDC @AU_AMA_ @EU_Partnerships @BMZ_Bund
#AUEU #HealthSovereignty #DigitalHealth #GlobalHealth
Alongside H.E. Fathallah Abdel Latif Al-Zani, Libya’s Minister of State for African Affairs, I inaugurated AUDA-NEPAD’s Country Office in Tripoli.
I thank the Libyan institutions and colleagues whose sustained work has made this possible.
The office gives our partnership a practical home, bringing AUDA-NEPAD’s expertise and continental networks closer to the institutions leading Libya’s development.
Working alongside those institutions, we will support planning, project preparation and coordination with development and investment partners. Libya’s ports, transport corridors and energy connections offer opportunities to strengthen its economy while deepening links with neighbouring countries.
Our presence in Tripoli will allow closer engagement as these priorities progress, guided by national ownership and the benefits they can bring to communities across the country.
@NEPAD_Agency @_AfricanUnion @Mofa_Libya
#AUDANEPAD #Libya #RegionalIntegration #Agenda2063
I was pleased to join H.E. Fathallah Abdel Latif Al-Zani, Libya’s Minister of State for African Affairs, and ambassadors in Tripoli as we marked the signing of the Host Country Agreement for AUDA-NEPAD’s Country Office.
This step builds on the work of Libyan institutions to advance Agenda 2063, including through the Permanent Committee for Monitoring and Implementing the Agenda.
Our cooperation also carries a wider continental dimension. Libya’s recent hosting of Agenda 2063 training for officials from other African countries demonstrates the value of sharing national experience and strengthening capacity together.
@NEPAD_Agency @_AfricanUnion @Mofa_Libya
#AUDANEPAD #Libya #Agenda2063 #AfricanIntegration
