AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center has long had a presence in Africa; its Regional Center for Africa (RCA) was established in 1992 in Arusha, Tanzania. But times—and continents—change. To better address the needs of donors, partners and stakeholders in vegetable value chains across Africa, the Center’s regional operations will now be conducted in two offices: AVRDC Eastern and Southern Africa in Arusha, and AVRDC West and Central Africa in Bamako, Mali.

Dr. Abdou Tenkounao, formerly Director for the Regional Center for Africa, took over as Regional Director for West and Central Africa on 1 January 2014. His new counterpart in Eastern and Southern Africa is Dr. Thomas Dubois.

On 15 January 2014 staff gathered in Arusha to welcome Thomas and bid farewell to RCA. Victor Afari-Sefa, the Global Theme Leader for Consumption, introduced the new Regional Director and graciously relinquished his interim duties in the position. “I’m looking forward to returning to my full-time role as Theme Leader,” Victor said. Thomas provided a brief background of his career, which started in 1997 in Africa, under the guidance of Abdou Tenkouano. “Abdou has been a wonderful mentor and role model,” Thomas said. “I’m fortunate to have him as a colleague.”

Thomas urged staff to focus on the big picture: vegetables are increasingly important to nutrient-sensitive agriculture, as complements to staples, and as necessary elements of a healthy diet. Growing vegetables also empowers youth and women, and is an excellent income generator. “At AVRDC Eastern and Southern Africa, we are at the right place at the right time to move forward and build on what we have achieved so far,” he concluded.

 Both offices will work closely together to harness opportunities and create synergy, ultimately benefiting the many vegetable farmers on the continent.