LEADERSHIP

Meet Our Leadership Team

Driving our mission, guiding our vision. Statespeople, business leaders, creators, and scientists combine their disciplines so that communities along the Sahel can thrive.

GRAND PATRONS

Distinguished Global Leaders

Providing strategic vision and diplomatic influence to accelerate our mission across the continent.

Grand Patron

His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo

Former President of Nigeria

Former President of Nigeria (1999–2007) and respected African statesman, lending diplomatic authority and long-term vision to the Great Green Wall movement.

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Patron

Aliko Dangote, GCON

Chairman Dangote Group

Chairman of the Dangote Group and one of Africa's most influential industrialists, championing private sector participation in climate and restoration initiatives.

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Distinguished Leader

Dr. Ramatoulaye Diallo N'diaye

Chief Executive Officer

Visionary African leader blending diplomacy, cultural renaissance, climate action, and innovative finance. As CEO of GGWoA, she leads continent-wide restoration efforts. Former Minister of Culture, Handicrafts and Tourism of Mali, she champions frameworks like Culture as Capital and the Bridge of Dignity. Chair of Africa Impact Finance Subgroup, Global Impact Disclosure Taskforce. Distinguished with National Orders of Mali and France, UNESCO 70th Anniversary Medal, and UAE Government Decoration.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Strategic Stewards

Aligning culture, policy, and finance for sustainable impact across the Great Green Wall.

BOARD

Dr. Frannie Leautier

Managing Director of Southbridge Investments

Senior Partner and CEO at SouthBridge Investments with a distinguished career at the World Bank Group and African Development Bank, leading infrastructure, risk and asset management across the African continent.

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BOARD

Joseph Faluyi

COO and Executive Director

Technology executive with over 20 years in IT, digital, and financial services. Former Managing Principal at Capco driving fintech transformation, with experience at Deloitte and Dell Technologies. As COO of GGWoA, he manages internal operations, new business ventures, and strategic partnerships. Previously Executive at Winsun Technologies focusing on climate-sustainable construction. MBA in Technology Management from University of Phoenix.

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BOARD

H.E. Youssou N'Dour

Former Minister of Tourism for Senegal

World‑renowned Senegalese musician, activist and former Minister of Tourism and Culture, using his cultural platform to mobilize support for climate action.

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BOARD

H.E. Dr. Lassina Zerbo

Executive Secretary Emeritus Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO); Chairman Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB); Former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso

Geophysicist and nuclear science diplomat, former Executive Secretary of the CTBTO, advising on science‑driven governance and energy security for a resilient Sahel.

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BOARD

Richad Soundardjee

Managing Director China International Capital Corporation

Managing Director at CICC with previous senior leadership at Société Générale, structuring capital markets solutions for emerging markets and sustainable infrastructure.

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BOARD

Abderrahmane Sissako

Film Director, Screenwriter, Producer

Mauritanian‑born Malian filmmaker behind works such as Timbuktu, Bamako and Waiting for Happiness, bringing global attention to stories of justice, culture and the environment.

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BOARD

Aliko Dangote, GCON

Chairman Dangote Group

Patron and strategic steward bringing private sector scale and long-term investment to the Great Green Wall.

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BOARD

H.E. Ambassador Maman Sambo Sidikou

AU Special Rep for Mali and the Sahel; Former UN Special Rep. of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel

Diplomatic champion fostering regional cooperation, peace-building and strategic partnerships across the Sahel and West Africa.

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BOARD

Anna Getaneh

Founder of African Mosaique

Former international model and fashion designer. Founder of African Mosaique (fashion design & manufacturing hub) and The Ethiopian Children's Fund (ECF) serving 1,000+ children. Design philosophy: Source, Design and Develop in Africa. Featured in Vogue, Marie Claire, ELLE. University of Maryland graduate in Business Management.

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BOARD

Vanessa Moungar

Chief Diversity Officer of the LVMH Group

Chief Diversity Officer at LVMH, recognised for championing inclusive growth, gender equity and youth empowerment across the public and private sectors.

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BOARD

Dr Mariam Aidara Ba

CEO of Dakar Science Po

Political scientist and CEO of Dakar Science Po, shaping the next generation of African leaders in governance, policy and democratic innovation.

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BOARD

Manny Aly Ansar

Founder, Timbuktu Cultural Desert Festival

Founder of the Timbuktu Cultural Desert Festival, using music, culture and storytelling to promote peace-building, dialogue and resilience in the Sahel.

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BOARD

Kenza Bounjou

Lawyer, Founding Partner at URITI

Lawyer and founding partner at URITI, advising on governance, investment and impact structures that align climate action with social justice.

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BOARD

Will Mbiakop

Founder and Executive Chairman – African Sports and Creative Institute (ASCI)

Innovative sports business leader of Cameroonian and Moroccan heritage. Executive Chairman of AMW Consulting Dubai and ASCI. Led NBA Africa's business development generating 70% of revenue through ground-breaking partnerships. Author of 'Africa Sports Industry: Facts, Challenges and Opportunities'. Launched 'One Million Wins' sports & sustainability program.

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MANAGEMENT TEAM

Operational Leadership

The operational nerve centre driving implementation and community engagement across the Sahel.

Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Ramatoulaye Diallo N'diaye

Mobilizes culture, finance, and diplomacy to accelerate the Great Green Wall through strategic partnerships and impact capital.

Visionary African leader with deep experience in cultural diplomacy, climate finance, and governance. Former Minister of Culture of Mali, now leading continent-wide restoration while shaping global standards for inclusive impact finance. Her philosophy bridges heritage, dignity, and ecological stewardship as foundations for sustainable prosperity.

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COO and Executive Director

Joseph Faluyi

Manages internal operations, new business ventures, and strategic partnerships across the Great Green Wall initiative.

Technology executive and social entrepreneur with 20+ years driving IT transformation and digital innovation in financial services. As COO of GGWoA, he oversees operational excellence and stakeholder relationships, bringing experience from Capco, Deloitte, Dell Technologies, and climate-focused ventures like Winsun Technologies.

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Community Leads

Regional Fellows

Embed with villages to co-design adaptation labs, education hubs, and stewardship campaigns.

Dedicated community facilitators driving grassroots innovation and local capacity building.

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JOIN OUR TEAM

Want to Join Our Leadership Team?

We're always looking for passionate leaders who want to make a difference in the Sahel region and beyond.

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