Key skills and expertise

Bringing over 35 years of experience in fisheries management and marine policy, the expert is proficient in project management, policy analysis, and capacity building. Responsibilities have included leading initiatives with AU-IBAR, where they successfully aligned 33 national fisheries policies with continental strategies. The expert has coordinated regional policy harmonization and contributed significantly to the African Fisheries Policy Framework. Technical expertise encompasses proficiency in statistical and specialized fisheries software. Leadership roles have involved strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, driving sustainable development in fisheries and aquaculture across Africa.

Project experience and donor exposure

With a background in collaborating with international donors such as the European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the expert has been involved in project implementation, technical assistance, and capacity building within fisheries governance and aquaculture development. Career highlights include contributions to regional and national projects across Africa, such as the EU/AU-IBAR Fisheries Governance Project Phases 1 and 2 and the FAO-FIRST Programme in ECOWAS. These initiatives have focused on enhancing sustainable fisheries management, developing blue economy strategies, and improving food security through public-private partnerships.

Sectors and geographic focus

Worked across diverse projects involving key sectors such as rural development, environment and natural resource management, food security, fisheries and aquaculture, agriculture, and livestock production. Previously held roles such as Policy Analyst and Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Specialist, focusing on strategic planning, policy development, and capacity building. The expert's interdisciplinary expertise spans regional policy harmonization and sustainable fisheries management, with a geographic scope that includes multiple African countries. Extensive geographic experience across Africa includes professional assignments in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, and other countries. The expert has deep familiarity with regional governance and development issues, particularly in fisheries and aquaculture. Their work has involved long-term projects and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainable fisheries management and policy alignment in these regions.

Languages and education

With a background in English language fluency, the expert has utilized this skill extensively in professional settings involving international cooperation, policy development, and stakeholder engagement across multilingual teams in various African countries. The expert holds a Master of Science in Applied Hydrobiology and Fisheries and a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, both from the University of Jos, Nigeria. These degrees provided a strong foundation in aquatic ecology, fish systematics, aquaculture techniques, and fisheries management, equipping the expert with comprehensive knowledge and skills in the field of fisheries and marine sciences.