Global Environment Facility and African Wildlife Foundation Convene Second Capacity Building Workshop to Enhance Project Oversight in North Africa

Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt – September 17, 2025 - The Global Environment Facility (GEF), in collaboration with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), is convening a two-day regional capacity-building workshop for GEF Operational Focal Points (OFPs) from six North African countries: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia. The workshop, taking place on September 17–18 2025, builds directly on the success of a similar event held in Nairobi in April with 23 countries from sub-Saharan Africa, incorporating key lessons on fostering a whole-of-government approach and enhancing portfolio-level oversight.

The comprehensive training is set to provide OFPs with tailored tools and approaches to better review and oversee GEF-funded projects throughout the entire project cycle, from initial design to final implementation. Participants are also exploring the new funding envelope established by the GEF to directly support OFPs in carrying out their critical oversight responsibilities. Key objectives of the workshop include strengthening the understanding of OFP roles and responsibilities, building capacity for effective project review, enhancing the ability to efficiently use oversight resources, and increasing the visibility of the GEF’s work by enabling a robust exchange of lessons and experiences among peers.

“This workshop offers a valuable platform for delegates to exchange experiences, address shared challenges, and share lessons learned. It ultimately equips participants with practical insights into effective planning, management, and oversight of their GEF portfolios, thereby enhancing the impact of GEF investments across North Africa,” said Jonky Tenou, Africa Regional Coordinator at the GEF.

The GEF CEO, Mr. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, and AWF CEO, Kaddu Sebunya speaking virtually at the opening, emphasized the critical role of country leadership in GEF project management and oversight. Mr. Sebunya stated: “The African Wildlife Foundation is proud to collaborate with the GEF to strengthen environmental governance in Africa”. Effective project implementation begins with strong oversight and a clear vision. By building the capacity of these key national leaders, we are helping to ensure that conservation and sustainable development projects are led by Africans, for Africa, delivering lasting benefits for both people and nature.”

Dr. Ali Abo Sena, Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency CEO, who also serves as the Egypt GEF OFP,elcomed the collaborative initiative, noting, “This workshop reflects the spirit of regional solidarity and shared purpose. As Egypt’s GEF Operational Focal Point, I deeply value this opportunity to strengthen our collective capacity, exchange practical insights, and reaffirm our commitment to locally-led, high-impact environmental action.”

This initiative marks an important step toward strengthening institutional capacity across North Africa and ensuring that GEF-supported projects deliver maximum benefits that are locally-led and are sustainable lasting for generations. The GEF has also organized similar workshops in Namibia and Ghana covering the rest of Africa.

About the Partners

About the Global Environment Facility

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) includes several multilateral funds working together to address the planet's most pressing challenges in an integrated way. Its financing helps developing countries address complex challenges and work towards meeting international environmental goals. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $26 billion in financing, primarily as grants, and mobilized another $153 billion for country-driven priority projects.

About African Wildlife Foundation  

The African Wildlife Foundation is the primary advocate for protecting wildlife and their habitats as an essential part of a modern and prosperous Africa. Founded in 1961 during the African independence movement to build our capacity to steward our natural resources, AWF articulates a uniquely African vision. It bridges science, education, public policy, and field programs to demonstrate the benefits of conservation and build a future for Africa where people and wildlife thrive.

For media inquiries, please contact: 
Eileen Kairu- AWF Strategic Communications Manager at ekairu@awf.org or Alexandre Pinheiro Rego- GEF Senior Communications Officer at arego@thegef.org. Heba Matouk Egypt MoE Social Media at happy_lolo2000@hotmail.com