The Africa Institute is driven by a committed team of professionals and a robust governance structure that ensures accountability, transparency, and effective service delivery to our member states.
Executive Leadership
Mr. Obed Baloyi
Chairperson of the Governing Council
Leading the strategic direction of the Institute, Mr. Baloyi presides over the Governing Council, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the needs of the region and aligned with global environmental priorities.
Ms Bianca Dlamini
Executive Director
As the head of the Secretariat, Ms Dlamini oversees the day-to-day operations of the Institute, driving the implementation of the Strategic Plan and fostering partnerships with international bodies and member states.
Governance Structure
The Africa Institute operates under a transparent governance framework designed to promote regional cooperation and institutional excellence.
- Governing Council: The supreme decision-making body, composed of representatives from all member states that have ratified the agreement.
- Executive Committee: A subset of the Council responsible for the oversight of day-to-day activities. It consists of 5 countries, including the Chair and the Host Country (South Africa). The Chairmanship rotates among members alphabetically.
- Secretariat: The operational arm of the Institute, led by the Executive Director, responsible for executing projects and serving member states.
The Secretariat
Our dedicated team in Pretoria ensures the smooth execution of our mandate. The current staff complement includes key roles focused on financial management, administration, and project implementation.
The Secretariat is located within the premises of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) in Pretoria, South Africa, providing strategic access to international partners and embassies.
