During the first week of November 2025, ALDA actively participated in the FIDEPA Meeting held in Dakar, Senegal, reinforcing its commitment to supporting decentralisation, citizen participation, and good local governance across the African continent. The ALDA delegation was composed of Abdelaziz Bouslah, Africa Project Officer; Antonella Valmorbida, Secretary General of ALDA; and Faty Babou, Africa Project Assistant, who all played central roles in the event’s activities.
Active Contribution Through Moderation and Training
Throughout the meeting, ALDA’s representatives were deeply involved in guiding discussions and sharing expertise.
- Abdelaziz Bouslah and Faty Babou contributed to the moderation of several thematic workshops, ensuring dynamic discussions among local authorities, civil society organisations, and international partners.
- Antonella Valmorbida, leveraging her longstanding leadership in local democracy and participatory governance, delivered impactful training sessions focused on strengthening local institutions, participatory mechanisms, and multilevel cooperation.
These sessions provided participants with practical tools and approaches to foster inclusive governance and empower communities to actively engage in decision-making processes.
Strategic Meetings for Future Collaboration
The FIDEPA Meeting also presented a valuable opportunity for ALDA to meet and engage with key stakeholders in the region. The delegation held constructive exchanges with:
- Bachir Kanouté, Secretary General of OIDP Africa, discussing potential synergies between ALDA and OIDP in promoting participatory democracy on the continent.
- The Mayor of Khombol and the Mayor of Sandaria (Senegal), who both expressed strong interest in collaborating with ALDA to strengthen local governance capacities and co-develop initiatives aimed at enhancing citizen participation in their municipalities.
These encounters opened the door to promising cooperation opportunities and reinforced ALDA’s strategic presence in Senegal and the wider West African region.
A Step Forward for Local Democracy in Africa
ALDA’s participation in the FIDEPA Meeting highlighted its growing engagement and commitment to supporting local authorities and civil society in Africa. By contributing expertise, facilitating dialogue, and establishing new partnerships, ALDA continues to play a key role in advancing inclusive, participatory, and sustainable local governance across the continent.
