ACBF has been contracted by AusAID, the Australian Agency for International Development, as Resource Facility Manager for the Australia Africa Community Engagement Scheme (AACES). The AACES supports the work of ten (10) Australian Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and their Africa-based partners to deliver measurable outcomes in three priority sectors: food security; maternal and child health; and water supply, hygiene and sanitation. AusAID’s mandate is to assist developing countries to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development.
As the Resource Facility, ACBF will provide communication, co-ordination and management services to the AACES, in addition to other technical services, as required.
As a development organization, ACBF considers this contract as an important step in strengthening its relationship with AusAID at a time when the Australian Government is committed to broadening and deepening its engagement with African countries and institutions.
Speaking at the launch of the contract, ACBF Executive Secretary, Dr Frannie Leautier said: “This is a very exciting development for our Foundation and the first innovation of its kind. We are delighted to have been given this opportunity to bid competitively – and successfully - for this assignment and we are thrilled that AusAID has placed confidence in the ACBF to deliver this project. Experience gained over twenty years and a track record of results achieved, will be brought to bear in delivering on this partnership. ACBF’s distinctiveness lies in our ability to get things done and our flexibility in adapting to unique situations. Our strength is in our convening power, complemented by our advocacy skills, coupled with the fact that we know the African development terrain well and have a network of extremely competent people – among the best brains in Africa – to serve our clients and stakeholders. Such uniqueness paired up with AusAID’s dedication to Africa and to achieving development results, bodes well for the start of this partnership.
Lead negotiator, Mr Bakary Kone, Manager of ACBF’s External Affairs and Partnerships added: “Over the years, our programming approach has allowed us to uncover innovations in our own interventions, attain impact and maintain long term relationships in the environments in which we operate and therefore this alliance is a strategic fit.”