The newly constituted Board brings together distinguished and experienced professionals from across academia, research, digital infrastructure, finance, and development. For the first time in the organisation’s history, the Board reflects meaningful gender balance and a diverse composition which reflects the communities WACREN serves across West and Central Africa.

The Board will appoint the Chair at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (colocated) at the WACREN Conference, scheduled for March 26-27, 2026, in Banjul, The Gambia. This year’s conference, themed “Connected Futures: Advancing Africa’s Digital Sovereignty Through Open Collaboration,” will provide the platform for the formal introduction of the Board leadership structure.

Meet the New Board Members

Dr. Mahamat Barka is a senior Chadian academic and higher education leader with a PhD in Energy Engineering from Claude Bernard University of Lyon, France. A Professor and Officer of the CAMES International Order of Academic Palms, he brings over two decades of experience in higher education, scientific research, and university governance. Former President of the University of N’Djamena and currently Rector of the West N’Djamena Academy, Mr. Barka contributes extensive expertise in academic leadership, institutional management, and scientific capacity development in Africa.

Mr. Koffi Fabrice Djossou is an international expert in digital technologies, innovation, and development finance, fluent in both French and English. Currently serving as Lead Innovation Expert at the West African Development Bank (BOAD), he holds an Executive MBA and degrees in telecommunications and networks. A former Special Advisor for the Chad Digital Plan and expert to the African Union Commission, Mr. Djossou brings recognised strategic expertise in digital policy, innovation, cybersecurity, and digital transformation across Africa.

Dr. Ahmedou Haouba is an internationally renowned Mauritanian university professor specialising in applied mathematics, decision science, and digital policy. Holding a PhD and Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR) from France, he has served as President of the University of Nouakchott and President of the University of Science, Technology and Medicine of Mauritania. A recognised expert for the World Bank, European Union, and United Nations, Mr. Haouba has led major projects in research and education networks, digital transformation, and innovation across Africa.

Ms. Jeanne Bougonou is a seasoned development economist and program management professional with nearly twenty years of experience in international development and public policy management. Currently serving as Director General of the Millennium Challenge Account–Togo Implementation Agency (OMCA-Togo), she holds a professional Master’s degree in Economic Development and is a Project Management Professional (PMP). Ms. Bougonou brings valuable expertise in governance, resource mobilisation, partner coordination, and the implementation of high-impact development programs.

Mr Lucas Yikimpa Chigabatia is a recognised leader in National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), with more than 25 years of experience in the digital transformation of higher education and research in Africa. Currently Chief Executive Officer of GARNET, Ghana’s academic and research network, he holds an MBA in Finance and a Master’s degree in Computer Science. Mr. Chigabatia brings strategic expertise in ICT governance, research network interconnection, and regional cooperation.

Ms. Oluwatoyin Aralepo is a senior strategic finance executive with over twenty-five years of experience in finance, governance, and strategic planning. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA, ICAN) and holder of an Executive MBA, she currently serves as Director of Finance for West Africa and WAEMU at the Mastercard Foundation. Ms. Aralepo brings strong expertise in financial governance, risk management, and strategic support to digital development and research programs across Africa.

Dr. Boonwennesom Télésphore Tiendrebeogo is a Burkinabè academic and computer networking expert with nearly twenty years of experience in higher education, research, and information systems. A CAMES Senior Lecturer and holder of a PhD in Computer Networks from the University of Bordeaux, he currently serves as Executive Secretary of FasoREN. Dr. Tiendrebeogo brings valuable expertise in research and education networks, ICT governance, and the development of e-infrastructures in Africa.

Prof. Ousmane Thiaré is a senior expert in digital infrastructure governance and digital public policy, with extensive experience across academic, national, and international institutions. His career is marked by strong involvement in the governance of higher education systems, research networks, and cyberinfrastructures. Well-versed in multi-stakeholder environments and regional cooperation frameworks, Mr. Thiaré brings valuable expertise in strategic orientation, institutional management, and decision-making.

Dr. Eyouléki T. G. Palanga serves as Director General (CEO) of WACREN and as Rapporteur to the Board of Directors. With more than twenty-five years of experience in information technologies, higher education, and the governance of research and education networks, he played a decisive role in the creation and development of the Togolese Research and Education Network (TogoRER). A Senior Lecturer at the University of Lomé, Dr. Palanga places his strategic and institutional expertise at the service of the Board and the implementation of WACREN’s strategic orientations.

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