The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has appointed Ms. CHAHBANI Jawhara as its Regional Facilitator for North Africa, effective immediately.
Jawhara brings extensive experience in public service, fisheries, aquaculture and grassroots advocacy to the new role.
She is Head of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department for the Sfax Region at Tunisia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries.
She also serves as President of the Association Tunisienne des Femmes Actives dans la Pêche et l’Aquaculture (ATFPA), the Tunisian chapter of the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET).
With more than 7,000 kilometres of Mediterranean and Atlantic coastline, North Africa’s Blue Economy remains critical to food security, livelihoods and climate resilience.
ABER said the appointment reinforces its commitment to gender-inclusive, community-driven and sustainable Blue Economy development across the region.
As Regional Facilitator, Jawhara will provide strategic leadership for ABER activities across Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya and Egypt.
She will also support National Coordinators in establishing ABER Blue Clubs and advancing policy engagement at the country level.
She is expected to strengthen partnerships with ministries, regional economic communities and development partners in line with the AU 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy.
Jawhara will further promote women-led enterprises through ATFPA and AWFISHNET networks, focusing on capacity building, market access and improved post-harvest systems.
She will promote North African best practices in coastal community development and gender-inclusive Blue Economy growth for replication across Africa.
The Regional Facilitator will also mobilise funding and technical partnerships for ABER programmes and member enterprises, while representing the organisation at regional and international forums.
Her appointment is for an initial two-year term, renewable subject to performance.
Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, Convener and CEO of ABER, described Jawhara as an ideal champion for the organisation’s vision in North Africa.
“Ms. Jawhara’s leadership in both public service and civil society makes her the ideal champion for ABER in North Africa.
“Her deep experience with coastal women and policy systems will ensure that North Africa leads in building a resilient, inclusive and sustainable Blue Economy,” Kiyaramo said.
ABER is a non-profit, volunteer-driven continental platform committed to harnessing Africa’s Blue Wealth for prosperity through advocacy, enterprise development and policy action.