AfDB appoints Ambassador Jalel Trabelsi as Special Envoy for MENA and Gulf Region

Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire (PANA) - The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has appointed career diplomat Jalel Trabelsi, as his Special Envoy for the Middle East North Africa (MENA) and the Gulf Region. 

Ambassador Trabelsi brings to the role over 30 years of experience as a highly accomplished and distinguished diplomat. 

As Special Envoy for MENA and the Gulf Region, Ambassador Trabelsi will help to foster diplomatic and strategic engagements within the MENA and Gulf Region, focusing on the Bank’s strategic priorities, strengthening partnerships and mobilizing public and private sector resources to deliver transformational projects in Africa. 

A Tunisian citizen, Ambassador Trabelsi’s diplomatic career is marked by significant roles and contributions. He served as Minister Plenipotentiary for African Affairs, and was the Ambassador of Tunisia to Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Sierra Leone, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

He also served as the Dean of the Council of Arab Ambassadors and in other roles as an Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Head of the National Commission for Tunisia’s candidacy to the Presidency of the AfDB. 

He is also a specialist in international law and taught Diplomatic International Law at university level. 

Commenting on his appointment, Ambassador Trabelsi said: “I am extremely honoured to be appointed by Dr. Adesina to this role. As an African, I am motivated to continue to serve our continent and to contribute to the African Development Bank’s transformational work under the visionary leadership of Dr. Adesina.

"I will work to ensure that the Bank maintains and further strengthens its excellent and fruitful cooperation and partnership with Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Gulf Region.” 

-0- PANA VAO/MA 27April2024