Tunisian fisheries leader named ABER North Africa facilitator
*Chahbani Jawhara
Nathan Tamarapreye
The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has appointed Tunisia’s Chahbani Jawhara as its Regional Facilitator for North Africa, with immediate effect.
Jawhara, who has extensive experience in public service, fisheries, aquaculture and grassroots advocacy, is the Head of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department for the Sfax Region at Tunisia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries.
She is also President of the Association Tunisienne des Femmes Actives dans la Pêche et l’Aquaculture (ATFPA), the Tunisian chapter of the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET).
ABER said her appointment reflected its commitment to gender-inclusive, community-driven and sustainable development across Africa’s maritime sector.
As Regional Facilitator, Jawhara will coordinate ABER initiatives in Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya and Egypt, including supporting national coordinators in establishing ABER Blue Clubs and promoting evidence-based policy engagement.
A key part of her mandate will be to advance data-driven approaches and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in marine governance. These will include predictive analytics for sustainable fish-stock assessment, smart aquaculture management, satellite-based coastal monitoring and climate-risk modelling.
ABER said the approach was aimed at improving marine resource management and strengthening the resilience of coastal communities across North Africa.
Jawhara will also work to deepen partnerships with government ministries, regional economic communities and international development organisations in line with the African Union’s 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy.
Through her leadership of ATFPA and AWFISHNET, she is expected to support women-led marine enterprises through capacity building, digital trade integration, improved post-harvest technologies and greater access to markets.
ABER said she would also promote the collection and analysis of regional performance data to help replicate successful North African approaches to coastal community development elsewhere on the continent.
Her responsibilities will further include mobilising green financing, technical partnerships and venture resources for ABER programmes and member enterprises, as well as representing the organisation at international summits.
Jawhara’s appointment is for an initial two-year term, renewable subject to operational performance and the achievement of agreed strategic benchmarks.
The convener and Chief Executive Officer of ABER, Dr Piriye Kiyaramo, described Jawhara as a transformational leader capable of advancing the organisation’s vision in North Africa.
“Ms Jawhara’s proven leadership in both public administration and civil society makes her the ideal leader for ABER in North Africa,” Kiyaramo said.
He added that her understanding of policy systems, community needs and emerging technologies would help North Africa advance a resilient, intelligent and sustainable blue economy.
