The Management Board of the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) has met to review progress made in 2018 and to assess the implementation of its projects. The Board considered key issues and events, which will be discussed further on the margins of the 2019 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group, scheduled to take place next month in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Established in 2008, the ALSF is an international public institution, hosted by the African Development Bank Group. Its mandate is to support African states by providing legal advisory services, launching capacity-building events, and developing unique knowledge management tools.

During the meeting, the board reviewed the body's 2018 draft Annual Report and financial statements and advised on enhancing the implementation of ALSF projects as they continue to increase in number and spread across the continent.

The Board also discussed a proposal for an ALSF Private Entity Funding Framework, which would be developed to guide the terms and conditions of contributions by private entities and to expand the Facility's resource mobilization.

Board members also heard a report about a recent meeting held for African government negotiators from Bank Regional Member Countries, during which participants expressed interest in financially contributing to the ALSF.

Board members encouraged ALSF management to be innovative and strategic, to focus on the results of its operations, and on new opportunities in the rapidly changing investment environment.

The Management Board is responsible for ALSF's efficient operations, approval of its budget and appointment of its Director. Its current five members, appointed for a three-year, non-renewable term, are Dorcas Achapa (Kenya), Dandi Gnamou (Benin), Bruce Montador (Canada), Mahomed Rafique (Mozambique), and Gaston Kenfack (Cameroon).