The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has appointed Mrs Stella Dogubo-Ovai as Director of Finance of its Continental Executive Council (CEC).

The appointment, approved by ABER Convener and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Piriye Kiyaramo, takes immediate effect.

Dogubo-Ovai, who is based in the United States, previously served as Director of Treasury of the ABER Women’s Forum.

Kiyaramo said the elevation recognised her integrity, financial discipline and commitment to advancing Africa’s Blue Economy agenda.

In her new role, Dogubo-Ovai will provide strategic financial leadership across ABER’s continental and diaspora structures.

She will oversee budgeting, fund management, financial accountability and donor compliance across the organisation.

She will also supervise finance and treasury officers across ABER’s structures on the continent and in the diaspora.

The new Director of Finance will serve in a voluntary continental capacity for an initial two-year term, renewable as applicable.

She will report to the Convener/CEO and the Continental Executive Council while operating remotely from the United States.

She will also undertake strategic travels for high-level engagements as required by her responsibilities.

ABER is a continental multi-stakeholder platform bringing together experts, policymakers, governments, development partners, private-sector leaders, women, youth and coastal communities.

The platform Is convened by the BRACED Tourism Promotion and Development Initiative (BTPDI).

It promotes a sustainable, inclusive and sovereign Blue Economy in Africa under its vision, “One Africa. One Ocean. One Prosperous Future.”

ABER focuses on policy advocacy, knowledge exchange and partnership development to harness Africa’s ocean, coastal and inland water resources.

It works with the African Union, regional economic communities, governments, UN agencies and development institutions to promote shared prosperity, climate resilience and food security.