BOAD Events
BIOGRAPHIES
The panellists, keynote speakers and moderators are all experts with many years' experience in the fields of finance, economics, agriculture and energy.
This page is dedicated to the biographies of these men and women at the heart of the development of the West African Economic and Monetary Union.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Lionel ZINSOU
Economist and former Prime Minister of Benin
Co-founder of SouthBridge. Former Prime Minister of Benin (2015-2016). Lionel Zinsou was a member of the Executive Committee of Danone, Managing Partner of Rothschild & Cie and Chairman of PAI Partners. He began his career as an academic before joining the Cabinets of the Minister of Industry (1980-1984) and the Prime Minister (1983-1986), Laurent Fabius. He is a member of the Board of Directors of several institutions and companies, including Terra Nova, Domaines Baron de Rothschild Lafite, Fondation R&Co 4 Generations Fund, Attijariwafa Bank, Eurazeo and Shelter Afrique. He studied at the Ecole Normale Supérieure and the universities of Paris IV and Paris VII (history of economics). He is also a graduate of Sciences Po Paris and was a researcher at the London School of Economics
Pr Lassina ZERBO
Nuclear Science Diplomat, geophysicist and former Prime Minister of the Republic of Burkina Faso
Lassina Zerbo is a distinguished nuclear science diplomat and geophysicist, championing Africa’s role in addressing global challenges. As Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, he spearheaded initiatives to make energy safer, more affordable, and accessible, laying the groundwork for an Advanced Nuclear Reactor project. Currently Chairman of the Board at the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB) and Energy Advisor and Member of the Strategy and Policy Council in the Office of the President, Mr. Zerbo continues to drive innovation in nuclear energy across the continent.
As the 3rd Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), he established landmark programs like the CTBTO Youth Group and GEM, bridging intergenerational gaps in nuclear diplomacy. Under his leadership, the CTBT global monitoring system achieved unprecedented excellence in data acquisition and analysis.
Mr. Zerbo’s contributions to science diplomacy have earned global recognition, including the 2018 AAAS Science Diplomacy Award and an Honorary Professorship at Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, reflecting his enduring impact on nuclear governance and development.
Julien MARCILLY
Economist at Global Sovereign Advisory
Julien has over 15 years' experience as an economist working in the private sector, providing clients with in-depth analysis of macroeconomic, country and sector risks.
Julien joined GSA as Chief Economist in 2021. Previously, he worked at Coface, a major player in the credit insurance sector, as chief economist and managed a global team of economists. He began his career at Société Générale in 2007, before joining a New York-based asset management company as an economist specialising in emerging markets.
Julien holds a PhD in economics from Université Paris-Dauphine and is a graduate of ESCP Europe.
EXPERTS / MODERATORS
Lassane Ouedraogo
Director of Energy and Mines, UEMOA Commission
A Burkinabe national, Lassane Ouedraogo is an energy engineer with a DESS in energy economics and policy and an MBA. He also holds a specialized training diploma in Energy Regulation from the École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris and a university certificate in energy policy and environmental issues from Laval University in Quebec (Canada).
After working in the energy sector in Burkina Faso as an off-grid electrification project coordinator and as an energy consultant, Mr. Ouedraogo joined the UEMOA Commission in 2005 as a Scientific Assistant for the Regional Energy Program. From 2009 to 2015, he was a senior manager in charge of energy. Between 2015 and 2016, he was Head of the Conventional Energy Division.
Since 2017, he has held the position of Director of Energy and Mines at the UEMOA Commission. In this capacity, he coordinates three (03) Divisions, including:
the Conventional Energy Division;
the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Division;
the Mines and Hydrocarbons Division.
It also coordinates the development and implementation of energy and mining policies and programs in UEMOA.
EXPERTS / MODERATORS
Dr Paul Koffi KOFFI
UEMOA Commissioner in charge of the Department of Business Development, Mines, Energy and the Digital Economy
Paul Koffi KOFFI, born on January 26, 1957 in M'Bahiakro, Ivory Coast, is a senior Ivorian civil servant and politician whose career spans several decades, touching on various areas of Ivorian public administration and regional and international organizations.
His academic background is solid and diverse. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Bouaké in 2019 and also holds an Executive MBA from the International School of Management in Paris and St. John's University in New York (2003-2004). Previously, he earned the degrees of Statistical Economist Engineer from ENSAE Paris in 1983 and Statistical Works Engineer from ENSEA in Abidjan in 1980, distinguishing himself as the first in the Jury in these last two courses.
His professional career began in 1983 at the Ministry of Labor of Côte d'Ivoire, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become Director of Employment in 1985. From 1989 to 1997, he acquired significant international experience as a Senior Technical Advisor for the ILO/UNFPA in Guinea and then in Madagascar, working on population and development planning.
Back in Côte d'Ivoire, he held high-level positions, first as Technical Advisor then Deputy Chief of Staff to the Minister of Economy and Finance from 1997 to 2000, then to the Prime Minister from 2000 to 2011, notably as Economic Advisor before becoming Deputy Chief of Staff. His career took a major political turn when he was appointed from 2011 to 2016, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister, Minister of Defense then Minister to the President of the Republic, responsible for Defense. He then became Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training in 2016-2017. He was elected in 2016 as Member of Parliament for Bouaké, the second largest city in the country.
Since 2017, Paul Koffi KOFFI has been working at the community level within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). Initially Commissioner in charge of the Department of Community Land Use Planning and Transport (2017-2021), he has been Commissioner in charge of the Department of Business Development, Mines, Energy and the Digital Economy (DEMEN) since May 2021.
Alongside his official duties, he has pursued a career as a teacher and consultant for various international organizations. He is also the author of nine (09) books dealing with economics, politics and management, demonstrating his expertise and his reflection on development issues in Africa. His latest work entitled "UEMOA, Assessment of 30 years of economic integration", was published by Editions l'Harmattan in July 2024.
His exceptional career has been recognized by several distinctions both nationally and internationally, including the title of Commander of the Order of National Education. In 2019, he received the PAVED Award for the best African Executive in Regional Planning and Transport. In April 2024, he was invited to Cambridge as a panelist at the Conference on African Development organized by Harvard Law School and Kennedy School of Government.
Paul Koffi's career illustrates a rich and diverse path, combining technical expertise, high-level political responsibilities, and international commitments. His experience covers areas crucial to the development of Côte d'Ivoire and West Africa, including the economy, defense, education, and regional integration.
Daniel Siméon KELEMA
Minister of Agriculture, Mali
Mr Daniel Siméon Kelema is Mali's current Minister of Agriculture, having obtained a postgraduate diploma (DEA) in Agronomy from the Karl-Max University in Leipzig, Federal Republic of Germany, in 1982.
A major player in Mali's agricultural development, working to strengthen the country's food sovereignty, he has almost 40 years' experience and has held several key positions within the Malian administration, including Special Adviser to the President of the Transition, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture and National Director of Agriculture.
In the course of his long and varied career, he was in charge of the Programme d'Appui au sous-secteur de l'Irrigation de Proximité (PASSIP) at the level of the German Technical Cooperation (GIZ-Mali), a project that supported innovative agro-ecological methods for local irrigation that are more resilient in the face of climate change, making it possible to improve agricultural productivity and food security.
Daniel Siméon Kelema was awarded the rank of Commander of the Order of Agricultural Merit in 2022 for his good and loyal service to the Malian nation. He has also been a Knight of the National Order since 2015.
PANELISTS: ENERGY
Adama MOUSSA
Head of Electrical Systems Operations Division, West Africa, AfDB
Adama MOUSSA is an electrical engineer by training, of Nigerian nationality, and a graduate of the Ecole Supérieure Interafricaine de l'Electricité (ESIE, Bingerville, Côte d'Ivoire). He has over 30 years' experience in the electrical energy sector.
He has worked for fifteen (15) years at the African Development Bank (AfDB), which he joined in June 2010 as energy operations manager. In this position, for 12 years he was in charge of several power projects and programmes in several countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Congo, Morocco, Tunisia, etc.).
Since 1 June 2021, Adama Moussa has held the position of Head of Division in charge of power systems operations for the West Africa Region at the African Development Bank.
Before joining the African Development Bank, he worked for 18 years at Société Nigérienne d'Electricité (NIGELEC), where he held several positions of responsibility, the last of which was Regional Director for Niamey, which accounted for more than 60% of the company's electricity distribution and sales activities.
Aminata Bocar BA
Technical Advisor for Energy at the Ministry of Mines and Energy Resources, Togo
With over ten years' experience in Africa, Aminata Bocar Ba has established herself as a leading strategist in sustainable energy development.
As Regional Director for Africa at RELP and advisor to Togo's Minister of Energy, Aminata steers energy initiatives in the region while providing her expertise at government level.
Her career path is rich and varied. At Engie, she was Head of Business Development for West and Central Africa, putting her technical expertise at the service of renewable energies.
Her ten years' experience in strategic planning in the energy sector make her a reference for energy policy development.
As Senegal's Senior Advisor for the Power Africa Off-Grid programme (a USAID initiative), she made a significant contribution to rural electrification by securing more than $4 million for local businesses, helping to design regulatory frameworks and supporting the growth of some twenty off-grid businesses.
Recognised as one of the 50 most influential leaders in the pan-African energy sector in 2023, Aminata is also the first Francophone selected for the Yale Climate Fellowship for Climate Leaders.
An electrical engineer with a Master's degree in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency from the École de Technologie Supérieure de Montréal, she combines technical expertise and strategic vision to develop sustainable energy solutions that are transforming the African continent.
Affouda Leon BIAOU
Chief Energy Specialist, World Bank Sahel
Affouda Leon Biaou has been Chief Energy Specialist at the World Bank, coordinating the energy programme for Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Niger since February 2025. Prior to that, he was programme coordinator for infrastructure (energy, transport, digital) covering Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti in the Middle East and North Africa region based in the World Bank's Cairo office for the past three years. Mr Biaou joined the World Bank in 2008 and has worked on a range of energy and climate change issues, including energy sector strategy and governance, access to electricity, renewable energy, energy efficiency, transmission and distribution systems, electricity utilities and power sector reform, climate finance and carbon markets. Mr Biaou brings more than 27 years of experience in the infrastructure and development sector, having worked on projects in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, North America and Latin and Central America. Before joining the World Bank, he was project manager for Econoler International, a Canadian consultancy specialising in energy efficiency and climate change. Mr Biaou holds a Master of Science in Energy Engineering from the École Polytechnique de Montréal, Canada.
Thierry Elom AYIM
Secretary General, Kekeli Efficient Power
Thierry Elom AYIM has over twenty years' experience in various fields and sectors in Togo and Africa (Energy, Logistics, FMCG), including almost ten years in the energy sector. Since July 2023, he has been the General Secretary of Kékéli Efficient Power, after having led from 2019 to 2023, as Administrative and Financial Director of Kékéli Efficient Power, (i) the setting up of the financing, (ii) the monitoring of the construction, and (iii) the development of management tools, within the framework of the construction of the Kékéli power plant.
Thierry Elom AYIM holds a higher degree in accounting, management and finance.
PANELISTS: AGRO
Dr. Issoufou BAOUA
Regional Coordinator of the Food and Nutrition Security Support Program, Coordinator of the Harmonized Framework at CILSS and Director General of the AGRHYMET Regional Center (Regional Climate Center for West Africa and the Sahel)
Issoufou BAOUA holds a doctorate in agricultural sciences, is an engineer in animal production (Agropastoralist) and is a specialist in environmental protection and improvement of Sahelian agrarian systems.
He has held several positions, including Technical Advisor to the Prime Minister of Niger, Coordinator of programs for the development of early warning tools, measurement and analysis of resilience.
An expert food security analyst, he is a member of several regional and global food security networks and is also an Administrator of African Risk Capacity (ARC) for Niger.
Cheikh Mouhamady CISSOKHO
Honorary Chairman of ROPPA
Mamadou CISSOKHO is not just a farmer, he is the embodiment of leadership, commitment and passion in the African peasant movement. Born in Senegal, he has dedicated his life to improving the living and working conditions of farmers not only in his native country, but well beyond its borders.
His career began in 1975 in Bamba Thialéne, where he played an active part in building the Development Committee. This was followed by a deep involvement in the process of creating the Entente des Groupements Associés in Senegal from 1977 to 1984. From 1984 to 1990, he served as Coordinator of the Six ‘S’, covering countries such as Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania. His skills and dedication also saw him co-found IRED West Africa and become a director of IRED International in 1986.
In 1995, he was instrumental in building the Sahelian Farmers' Platform, covering the CILSS area. He also actively contributed to the creation of ROPPA in 2000, of which he became Honorary President. In 2001, he was awarded the René Dumont Prize for Sustainable Development. His role as facilitator and moderator has also been called upon by major international institutions such as IFAD, FAO, ECOWAS and BOAD.
Throughout his career, Mamadou CISSOKHO has worked tirelessly to support local, regional, African and international farmers' organisations. His remarkable career bears witness to his unwavering commitment to the farmers' cause, and to the respect and recognition of the multifunctional, multi-sectoral, job-creating Agro-Sylvo Pastoral and Fisheries Family Farms, which are committed to safeguarding the deep-rooted values of our societies. Family farms, by creating wealth and safeguarding jobs, remain the driving force behind the rural private sector, illustrating its desire to see a prosperous agricultural Africa.
Dr Sèmadégbé Oscar TEKA
Teacher-Researcher, Professor at the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences of the University of Abomey-Calavi
Oscar Teka holds a PhD in Geosciences and Environment from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany, a Master's degree in Regional Planning/Development (University of Karlsruhe) and an Agricultural Engineering Diploma specializing in Water, Forests, Hunting, Aquaculture and Natural Rangelands (Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Abomey-Calavi).
His current research focuses on: (i) modeling agricultural production and its implications for adaptation and food and nutrition security, (ii) assessing the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, (iii) developing appropriate adaptation/mitigation strategies, (iv) assessing the climate vulnerability of ecosystems and developing ecosystem-based adaptation strategies, (v) assessing and managing climate risks in tropical and subtropical areas, (vi) developing environmental performance frameworks according to international standards, and (vii) managing natural rangelands.
He has coordinated several national climate plans in Benin as well as impact assessments. Currently, he leads the vulnerability and adaptation group involved in the development of Benin's Fourth National Communication on Climate Change, and is a member of the GHG inventory group from the forestry sector in Benin. He has more than 80 scientific works, including about 30 published in impact-factor journals.
COMOE Bernard
Director General of Planning, Statistics and Projects at the Ministry of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Production, Ivory Coast
Kini Bernard COMOE, 50, holds an Agricultural Engineering Diploma and a Master's degree in Agricultural Economics. Since March 2019, he has served as Director General of Planning, Statistics and Projects. To this end, he oversees the design, implementation, and management of agricultural programs and policies that address food security and sovereignty issues, as well as sustainable access to and use of innovative and inclusive financial services. He interacts with multilateral and bilateral financial technical partners contributing to the development of agriculture in Côte d'Ivoire.
With several decades of experience in agricultural development, he coordinates major programs, including the development of Agropoles with the African Development Bank Group, the development of food value chains with the World Bank and the implementation of targeted budgetary support for food production.
He is at the heart of promoting technological innovations in the Ivorian agricultural sector, which is undergoing structural transformation. In terms of honorary recognition for services rendered to the Nation, he is an Officer of the Order of Agricultural Merit of Côte d'Ivoire.
Zenab CISSE
Business Development Lead, ARC Ltd
Zenab is an expert in agricultural risk management and food security, with extensive experience in designing innovative insurance solutions to strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate hazards.
A specialist in agricultural insurance and social protection mechanisms, she has supported governments and international institutions in the development of tailor-made climate insurance products designed to secure the livelihoods of rural communities.
Before joining ARC Limited, where in addition to leading business development in West and Central Africa, she led the implementation of large-scale projects to establish agricultural consortia to deploy parametric insurance solutions at scale, she was a Climate Risk Insurance Expert at the World Food Programme (WFP) in the Climate Programme (PRO-C) team at Headquarters in Rome. In this role, she supported WFP country offices and governments in the design and implementation of insurance products tailored to the needs of vulnerable farmers, thus contributing to food security and the sustainability of agricultural systems.
With her expertise in inclusive microinsurance and agricultural risk management, Zeynab has played a key role in strengthening economic safety nets for marginalized populations, particularly women and children in rural areas.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Banking and Insurance, a Master's degree in Marketing Management and has several certifications for microinsurance and climate insurance.
Amadou MBODJ
Amadou has held a number of positions within the WAEMU Commission, including Chargé de missions to the Commissioner for Agriculture and Head of the Regional Agricultural Development Fund (FRDA), an instrument set up by WAEMU to support its agricultural policy by financing projects and programmes aimed at improving food security and developing the rural economy.
