10 January 2026, Africa: The CGIAR is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Namukolo Covic as Head of the CGIAR Liaison Office for Africa, effective 1 January 2026. In this strategic role, Dr Covic will support the CGIAR Continental Champion for Africa — a rotational role currently held by Dr Simeon Ehui, Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) — in advancing CGIAR’s mission to deliver science and innovation that transform food, land, and water systems across Africa. Strengthening CGIAR’s engagement in AfricaThe CGIAR Liaison Office for Africa has been established to strengthen coordination and coherence across CGIAR Centers, regional partners, and continental institutions. A seasoned leader for Africa’s food systemsDr Covic brings a distinguished record of leadership in nutrition, food systems innovation, and policy engagement across Africa. Transitional arrangementsIn addition to her System-level responsibilities, Dr Covic will, during the transition period (January-June 2026), continue to serve as the ILRI Director General’s representative in Ethiopia, to ensure continuity while ILRI completes the recruitment of her successor.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 10, 2026 12:20 UTC