In a significant move, President Romuald Wadagni of Benin has chosen Damien Mama as the first minister and secretary permanent of the National Steering Committee for Territorial Development Poles. This appointment was made during a Council of Ministers meeting on November 4. Mama, who has recently been appointed as the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of Congo, takes on the crucial role of concretizing the ambitious national territorialization project.
The territorial development project, initiated by President Wadagni, aims to reorganize and boost local development, addressing social demands and bringing public action closer to local realities and economic potential. The project's primary objectives include reducing extreme poverty, improving human capital, and creating wealth at the local level. With Mama's appointment, President Wadagni has selected an experienced professional to lead this significant initiative.
Damien Mama brings 25 years of strategic leadership experience in Africa and a solid background in development, including peacekeeping operations. He has held various high-responsibility positions within the United Nations system, including Supervisor of country offices for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York. His experience spans across several countries, including South Sudan, Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Kosovo.
Mama's professional journey is guided by the conviction that development can only be sustainable if it benefits everyone, leaving no one behind. His expertise extends to governance, food security, and community development, making him well-suited for the task assigned by President Wadagni. Additionally, Mama has worked with several non-governmental organizations in West Africa, demonstrating his ability to work effectively on the ground.
The newly appointed minister and secretary permanent holds a Master's degree in Development Management from the Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany, and a Master's degree in Territorial Planning from the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin. His educational background and extensive experience equip him to tackle the challenges associated with implementing the territorial development project.
President Wadagni's decision to appoint Mama to this critical position has been regarded as a strategic move, given Mama's track record in development and his familiarity with the complexities of territorial planning. The success of this project is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of Benin's population, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The territorial development project is a flagship initiative of President Wadagni's administration, aiming to transform the country's development landscape. With Damien Mama at the helm, the project is expected to gain momentum, and its outcomes will be closely watched by stakeholders both domestically and internationally.
Key points
- Damien Mama's appointment as minister and secretary permanent of the National Steering Committee for Territorial Development Poles.
- The territorial development project aims to reduce extreme poverty, improve human capital, and create wealth at the local level.
- Mama brings 25 years of experience in strategic leadership and development, including peacekeeping operations, to his new role.
