“To accelerate action for Africa’s livestock and fisheries, we must drive innovation, collaboration, and champion inclusivity.”
As the Director of the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), Dr. Huyam Salih is spearheading transformative change in Africa’s animal resource sectors, exemplifying the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” through her leadership and dedication to progress. With a vision that intertwines sustainability, economic growth, and technological advancement, she is redefining the role of AU-IBAR in ensuring Africa’s livestock, fisheries, and aquaculture industries thrive.
Dr. Salih’s leadership prioritizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating ecological, social, and economic factors to create a resilient and prosperous future. A key guiding policy in this transformation is the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which provides a strategic framework for agricultural transformation, food security, and economic growth. Additionally, Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want serves as a cornerstone for AU-IBAR’s initiatives, ensuring that Africa’s animal resource sectors contribute meaningfully to continental goals of prosperity, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development.
Under her guidance, AU-IBAR is ensuring that stakeholders across Africa are empowered to make informed decisions, driving regional integration, peace, and long-term development. By aligning its interventions with CAADP and Agenda 2063, AU-IBAR is strengthening the resilience of Africa’s animal resources sector, enhancing disease surveillance, promoting sustainable fisheries management, and fostering innovation to accelerate economic growth and food security across the continent.
As the first female leader of AU-IBAR, Dr Salih is committed to fostering inclusivity, gender sensitivity, and youth engagement. She has strengthened initiatives that elevate women’s voices in veterinary science and agriculture, ensuring diverse perspectives in decision-making. By integrating feedback from stakeholders and promoting co-created solutions, her leadership has set a precedent for diversity-driven growth, reflecting Africa’s rich perspectives and talents.
Advancing a Legacy of Impact for Africa’s Livestock and Fisheries Future
With a legacy dating back to 1951, and integrated into the African Union’s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment in 1965, AU-IBAR has played a pivotal role in advancing Africa’s animal health and eradicating critical diseases like rinderpest. Under Dr Salih’s leadership since 2023, the organization is leveraging this foundation to champion innovative solutions that address emerging challenges.
This progress over the years would not be possible without the invaluable support of numerous technical and financial partners, whose contributions have transformed our vision into reality. Their commitment has strengthened partnerships, enhanced veterinary epidemiology, and advanced climate-resilient agricultural practices, ensuring sustainable impact across the continent.
By promoting these initiatives, AU-IBAR is driving policies that empower youth and women, improve market access for pastoralists, and foster inclusive decision-making. Dr. Salih’s commitment to collaboration—both within Africa and on a global scale—continues to shape impactful policies and technological advancements, positioning AU-IBAR as a leader in sustainable livestock and fisheries management.
Strategic Vision and Policy Leadership
Dr Salih envisions AU-IBAR as a catalyst for Africa’s agricultural transformation, guided by strategic policies like the Animal Health Strategy for Africa (AHSA) and the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDeSA), Animal Welfare Strategy, Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa, and the Africa Blue Economy Strategy. These frameworks are strengthening governance frameworks that ensure food security and economic stability.
Impactful Policy Reforms
AU-IBAR has been instrumental in shaping Africa’s animal health policies, including the Animal Health Strategy for Africa (AHSA) and the Livestock Development Strategy for Africa (LiDeSA). Salih has led initiatives that reinforce integrated health governance through One Health, enhancing regional cooperation in managing animal diseases. The organization continues to develop training programs in veterinary epidemiology, food safety, and standard-setting procedures in line with global regulations, strengthening Africa’s capability in livestock and fisheries governance.
Strengthening Global Collaborations
Collaboration is a cornerstone of AU-IBAR’s work. Dr. Salih has expanded partnerships with international organizations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), enhancing AU-IBAR’s reach and impact. Recent agreements with institutions like the African Leather and Leather Products Institute (ALLPI), the International Coalition for Water and the Environment (ICWE), and the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) further strengthen AU-IBAR’s expertise and influence. The annual High-Level Coordination Meeting serves as a platform for key stakeholders to align strategies and initiatives, advancing sustainable animal resource development across the continent.
Leveraging Digital Tools for Data-Driven Decision-Making
AU-IBAR has been at the forefront of data-driven decision-making in Africa’s animal health sector. The Animal Resources Information System (ARIS), now in its third version (ARIS3), has undergone significant evolution over the years under the leadership of former AU-IBAR Directors, with its initial development occurring before Dr. Salih’s tenure. Although ARIS3 has not yet been operationalized, it marks a crucial step in advancing the system’s capabilities.
Under Dr. Salih’s leadership, the integration of digital tools such as OneHealth Data and the African Fisheries and Aquaculture Database (AfaData) is set to further enhance disease surveillance, fisheries management, and policy formulation. By embracing emerging technologies, AU-IBAR is modernizing data collection and analysis, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions that drive regional integration, peace, and sustainable development.
Transformative Impact of Key Initiatives
Under her leadership, AU-IBAR continues to drive Africa’s animal health, fisheries, and food system transformation. The eradication of Rinderpest stands as a landmark achievement, saving the continent billions and strengthening Africa’s position in global regulatory forums. Now, the fight against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) must be accelerated with the same urgency and commitment. PPR remains a major threat to small ruminants, devastating the livelihoods of millions of livestock-dependent communities. Its eradication is not just a goal—it is a necessity for securing resilient livestock systems, strengthening food security, and unlocking economic opportunities across Africa.
Over 50 impactful projects have enhanced livestock systems, fisheries governance, and food safety across the continent. Key initiatives like the Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in the Africa Blue Economy Project have safeguarded marine and freshwater ecosystems, boosting fisheries productivity and community livelihoods. The Pan-African PPR Eradication Program, aligned with the One Health approach, is making significant strides in reducing disease burdens on small ruminants and enhancing livestock productivity.
With projects like the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems Project (RAFFS) and the Africa Pastoral Markets Development Platform (APMDP), AU-IBAR has strengthened food security and pastoral market integration, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and resilience in Africa’s agricultural sector.
Leadership Principles & Guidance
With over 20 years in veterinary epidemiology and global livestock development, her leadership is rooted in collaboration, integrity, and innovation. She believes in fostering strong networks, upholding transparency, and ensuring ethical decision-making. By championing inclusivity and knowledge-sharing, she has created an environment where diverse perspectives drive progress.
For young professionals, especially women, aspiring to leadership roles in animal health and aquaculture, she advocates for skill development, embracing innovation, and building strong industry connections. She emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and fostering diversity to enrich decision-making and industry transformation.
Strategic Vision for 2025 & Beyond
Looking ahead, AU-IBAR’s strategic focus aligns with the International Women’s Day theme “Accelerate Action,” emphasizing PPR as our Priority, advancing rabies elimination, and leveraging the Animal Resources Performance Dashboard to support sound and resilient PPP investments across livestock value chains. Key initiatives will scale up sustainable livestock practices, strengthen fisheries management, and foster multi-sector collaboration.
Capacity-building programs will empower stakeholders with technological advancements, ensuring sustainable growth in the livestock and aquaculture sectors. A core focus remains on inclusivity, actively engaging women and youth in policy-making and implementation. Aligned with the Kampala Declaration and CAADP 10-Year Strategy, AU-IBAR will enhance disease surveillance, improve food safety, and promote sustainable resource use, solidifying its role as a leader in Africa’s animal resource sector.
For more information on AU-IBAR, access: www.au-ibar.org
