Founding Board Members
Virginia, USA. The African Council on Foreign Relations appoints the founding and inaugural board of directors for 2023-2026.
New board chairman Jean Narcisse Djaha brings decades of experience in social innovation in the United States and Africa. Jean works as the Founding President of the African Council on Foreign Relations. Dr. Djaha holds several degrees, including a Ph.D. in political science, and has worked in multiple capacities.
“It is a great pleasure to serve as the inaugural Board Chairman of this great institution. The work hasjust begun and there is more to come. I am really excited to help position this organization as a game changer in our lifetime,’’ says Founding President and Chairman Jean Narcisse Djaha.
“ACFR is ready for impact, and I am blessed to be joining this battle for economic development,” he added.
Jean Narcisse Djaha is an outstanding innovator in international education, private and sector systems change, serial author, leader of disruptive leaders, and long-time champion for values-based competitiveness leadership and international cooperation,
New board member Dr. Toby Malichi, Hon. D. Bus. D.H.L, brings over 40 years of experience in global trade, government, economic development, and youth empowerment. Dr. Toby Malichi, Hon. D. Bus. D.H.L, Founding Executive Chairman and Global Head of Development, Investment & Diplomacy, Malichi Group Worldwide, LLC.
“Dr. Toby Malichi, Hon. D. Bus. D.H.L, is a God-sent to our organization. She will bring great perspective and help shape the mission, vision, and future of the African Council on Foreign Relations in Southern Africa,’’ says Founding President and Chairman Jean Narcisse Djaha. “ACFR is ready for impact, and this man is part of it already,’’ he added.
“Looking forward to impacting Africa,” says Dr. Toby Malichi, Hon. D. Bus. D.H.L
As a board member, Dr. Toby Malichi, Hon. D. Bus. D.H.L, will help shape the mission and vision of ACFR for the years to come.
New board member Calherbe Monel brings over two decades of experience in social innovation,nonprofit organizational development, and economic development. Hon. Monel serves as the Founding Chief Executive Officer of NonProfit Startup Center.
“Monel is a God-sent to our organization. She will bring great perspective and help shape the mission, vision, and future of the African Council on Foreign Relations in Southern Africa,’’ says Founding President and Chairman Jean Narcisse Djaha. “ACFR is ready for impact, and this man is part of it already,’’ he added.
“It is an immense honor to join the ACFR, I am eager to contribute my efforts toward advancing the Council’s goals and promoting international cooperation within Africa and beyond,” says Hon. Monel.
As a board member, Monel will help shape the mission, vision, and executive governance of ACFR for the years to come.
New board member Prof. Chimezie Anyakora brings decades of experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry in Africa. Prof. Anyakora works as Chief Executive Officer with Bloom Public Health. Professor Chimezie Anyakora holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and taught at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lagos for over a decade.
“Prof. Anyakora is a God-sent to our organization. He will bring great perspective and help shape the mission, vision, and future of the African Council on Foreign Relations in Nigeria and beyond,’’ says Founding President and Chairman Jean Narcisse Djaha. “ACFR is ready for impact, and this man is part of it already,” he added.
“I am really excited to join the board of the African Council on Foreign Relations. I think it is time for the continent to engage the world in a very productive way for Africans. I look forward to tapping into my network, expertise, passion, and years of intense engagement on the continent to drive the vision of ACFR”, says Prof. Anyakora.
Prof. Anyakora will help set and execute the organization’s development strategy in Nigeria and beyond.
New board member Selima Henock Lisa brings a wealth of experience in journalism and news reporting. Selima is a senior reporter for the Namibian Broadcast Corporation.
“Selima is a God-sent to our organization. She will bring great perspective and help shape the mission, vision, and future of the African Council on Foreign Relations in Southern Africa,’’ says Founding President and Chairman Jean Narcisse Djaha. “ACFR is ready for impact, and this woman is part of it already,” he added.
” I am beyond thrilled to be part of the board members of the African Council on Foreign Relations. I am always rooting for projects that foster Africa’s economic growth. I believe my wide range of media relations will bring needed expertise to this project”, says Selima.
As an experienced journalist, she will help promote the organization in Southern Africa and beyond. Selima will help set and execute the organization’s development strategy in Southern Africa and beyond.
New board member Kate Warren brings two decades of global development and digital media experience, covering and shaping the important conversations driving the Sustainable Development Goals. Kate serves as Executive Vice President and Executive Editor at Devex.
“Kate Warren is a God-sent to our organization. She will bring great perspective and help shape the mission, vision, and future of the African Council on Foreign Relations in Southern Africa,’’ says Founding President and Chairman Jean Narcisse Djaha. “ACFR is ready for impact, and this woman is part of it already,” he added.
“I am thrilled to join the board of the African Council on Foreign Relations, a visionary platform dedicated to addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges through innovative research and collaborative solutions. Together, we aim to foster peace, sustainable development, and values-based international cooperation, advancing Africa’s interests and impact on the global stage”, says Kate.
An acclaimed and sought-after global media expert and journalist, Kate will play a key role in shaping the work and vision of the African Council on Foreign Relations for the upcoming years.
New board member Anne-Marie Dias Borges brings several years of experience in global media and journalism. She is a senior journalist at BBC News.
“Anne-Marie is a God-sent to our organization. She will bring great perspective and help shape the mission, vision, and future of the African Council on Foreign Relations in Southern Africa,’’ says Founding President and Chairman Jean Narcisse Djaha. “ACFR is ready for impact, and this man is part of it already,’’ he added.
”I am thrilled to be joining the board of Directors of the ACFR. Let’s bring out the best of ourselves and speak with a collective voice to secure our continent’s seat at the global table”, says Anne-Marie.
Anne-Marie will help set and execute the organization’s partnership development strategy globally.