Sidig Faroug El Toum appointed Chief Executive Officer of Africa Prosperity Network secretariat
Sidig Faroug El Toum has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) secretariat.
The Africa Prosperity Network (APN) is an organisation dedicated to promoting the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Africa’s single market by mobilising the private sector for shared ownership of the project.
Sidig Faroug El Toum's appointment takes effect from January 1, 2025.
In a statement dated December 26, 2024, the APN said El Toum’s appointment reinforces APN's commitment to contribute to the acceleration of Africa's economic transformation through enhanced cooperation and strategic partnerships with all stakeholders.
"As we continue to drive our mission of making Africa work for Africans, Sidig Faroug El Toum's appointment strengthens our capacity to facilitate meaningful dialogue and action towards continental prosperity," said Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, the Founder and Executive Chairman of APN.
“His extensive experience in international development and proven track record in fostering cross border collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of an interconnected, prosperous Africa."
Sidig Faroug El Toum joins APN at a critical moment as the organisation expands its role in facilitating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and promoting intra African trade, particularly with the upcoming Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) in 2025.
His appointment will strengthen APN's position as the leading platform for connecting African leaders, policymakers, and business executives to foster continental economic integration, the statement added.
It said throughout his career spanning over two decades, Mr El Toum has demonstrated exceptional ability in orchestrating high-level diplomatic initiatives and managing complex multi stakeholder programmes across Africa.
His experience at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue in Geneva and with UNICEF has equipped him with invaluable expertise in building consensus and driving transformational change across diverse African contexts.
"The Africa Prosperity Network represents the aspirations of a united, prosperous Africa," said Mr El Toum. "I am honoured to join this visionary organisation that has established itself as a crucial catalyst for Africa's economic transformation. Together with our partners and high-level Advisory Council, we will strengthen APN's role in facilitating the dialogue and collaboration necessary to realise the full
potential of the AfCFTA and accelerate Africa's journey to prosperity."
Under Sidig Faroug El Toum's leadership, APN will enhance its flagship initiatives, including the annual Africa Prosperity Dialogues series, which bring together Heads of State, senior government officials, business leaders, institutional heads, and policy experts to advance practical solutions for Africa’s prosperity.
His expertise will be instrumental in expanding APN's impact in key areas, such as strengthening implementation of the AfCFTA through enhanced public-private sector dialogue, facilitating strategic partnerships between African nations and businesses, promoting innovation and knowledge exchange across the continent, advancing policy frameworks that support intra-African trade and investment and building capacity for regional economic integration.