From June 30 to July 8, 2024, Kigali, Rwanda played host to the AHA-INOFO Joint Workshop with special support from Andreas Hermes Akademie. This pivotal workshop brought together the INOFO Africa Taskforce and the INOFO Board with the overarching goal of strengthening organizational ties and aligning regional and global strategies.
The workshop was expertly facilitated by Purvi Shah Paulini and Fatma Ben Rejeb and coordinated by Marieke Behrens from Andreas Hermes Akademie (AHA).
The workshop brought together a diverse group of INOFO leaders forming the Africa Taskforce and the INOFO Board. Their collective experience, and perspectives were invaluable in shaping the workshop’s discussions, ensuring that regional and global nuances were well-represented and considered.
The Africa Taskforce members included Nana Adams from Ghana, Daniel Wanjama from Kenya, Julie Nakalanda from Uganda, Raoudath Bouraima from Benin, Charles Mubanga from Zambia, Dereje Angasa from Ethiopia and Busisiwe Mgangxela from South Africa
The INOFO Board members included Shamika Mone, INOFO President, Daniel Wanjama, INOFO Vice President, Thales Bevilacqua, INOFO Global Relationship Officer, Jennifer Taylor, Joint Secretary and Aina Calafat, Acting European Board Member
INOFO Coordinator Carolin Möller played a vital role in ensuring that the workshop’s objectives were met and that all activities were aligned with INOFO’s vision.
The workshop was structured around several key objectives crucial for any organization aiming to have a global impact. Among the primary goals was teambuilding, which was approached through a series of interactive sessions designed to foster mutual respect and understanding among participants from diverse backgrounds. This set a strong foundation for the subsequent focus on aligning activities, structures, and processes at both regional and global levels.
A significant achievement of the workshop was the discussion on the regional structural framework using Africa as a benchmark, that supports INOFO’s operations and impact both at regional and global level. Discussions also focused on refining communication lines and decision-making processes, ensuring that the organization can navigate effectively through any circumstances or crises.
The workshop also dedicated considerable time to discuss and plan for the upcoming INOFO General Assembly. Through workshops and open dialogues, participants worked collectively to reinforce the organization’s vision and values, ensuring they are ingrained in every aspect of operational execution.
The reflections shared by participants at the end of the workshop highlighted a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The collaborative environment allowed for the sharing of best practices and experiences, which enriched the collective knowledge and bonded the team on a profound level.
As we look back on the successful completion of the AHA-INOFO Joint Workshop in Kigali, it is clear that the workshop was more than just a series of meetings. It was a pivotal moment for INOFO and its partner Andreas Hermes Akademie, a step forward in creating a cohesive, resilient organization ready to tackle the challenges of the future with unwavering commitment and unified strength.