Communications Specialists

Tidiane Ba is AKADEMIYA2063’s Visual Design and Production Senior Specialist. He is in charge of managing and producing all visual communications including print design, web graphics, photography, video production, and branding for A2063 and its programs. Prior to AKADEMIYA2063 Tidiane held the position of Visual Communications Specialist at IFPRI which he joined in August 2019.

His past experience and responsibilities include organizing the layout of digital and printed documents, creating graphic guidelines and video content, designing newspapers, annual reports, banners, kakemonos, and many other communication materials. He has more than 20 years of experience in this domain and has previously been working for NGOs, communication agencies and for several projects in Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Tidiane worked as designer and teacher assistant for the Université Virtuelle du Sénégal (UVS).

He holds a degree in multimedia computer graphics from AFPA (Afpa Centre de formations professionnelles qualifiantes pour adultes) in Metz, France, and a certificate in graphic and layout designer from the same school in Lyon, France.

Vanessa has always been passionate about languages, cultures, and civilizations. She graduated in Foreign Language Literature and Civilization from Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Senegal (1998) before earning a Degree in Translation at the Haute Ecole Francisco Ferrer of Brussels, Belgium (2003).

Her first work experience was as a Spanish and English free-lance translator in Dakar. For ten years she accumulated a great experience in various areas of translation, working mainly as a translator accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Senegal. From 2015 to 2020, she was offered the opportunity to become more specialized in agricultural policies, economics, and nutrition through her position as translator at IFPRI’s Africa Division.

Vanessa is joining AKADEMIYA2063 as senior translator to put her expertise and skills to use in support to the Institute’s major programs: ReSAKSS, AGRODEP and MaMo.

Ibnou holds a BBA in Corporate Communication & Event Management from the School of Knowledge Economy and Management (SKEMA), a Business School in France and specializes in Communication, Marketing, Project Management, and Partnerships development.

Passionate about agriculture, he attaches great importance to triggering, nurturing, and promoting effective solutions to support continued economic growth and enable the delivery of impact at scale.

Prior to joining AKADEMIYA2063 as Communication Specialist, Ibnou worked as Communication, Marketing & Partnerships Manager for Senegal, and Mali at PEG AFRICA. He also worked at MANY – Mother Africa Needs You (Cote d’Ivoire) as Communication Manager, IFPRI Africa – The International Food Policy Research Institute as Communication Associate, HAVAS MEDIA (France) as Assistant Project Manager, and Milan InnovincY BV (Netherlands) as Communication Assistant. In these capacities, he focused essentially on driving Communication plans, organizing promotional events, and developing Media & Advertising strategies to help the respective companies enhance their image, increase their online presence, and improve client loyalty and brand-to-client experience.

Having had the opportunity to work in different companies in Europe and Africa has allowed him to receive good exposure to different development contexts and develop skills in working in a multicultural and fast-paced environment.

Nafissatou joined the AKADEMIYA2063 Dakar office as a Communication Associate in May 2022.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in International Studies, with a concentration in Communication and African Studies from the City College of New York.  

Before joining AKADEMIYA2063, Nafissatou was a communication fellow for Concern US, where she supported content creation for different platforms.  Outside of work, Nafissatou likes to travel and discover new cultures.

Bertrand ABAYIZERA is a Professional digital content creator, creative illustrator, and an established graphic designer. Analyzing problems and designing suitable solutions is the key attribute of the everyday life of this open minded and proactive professional in every situation.

Working in communication related agencies has given him the opportunity to learn different disciplines in communication especially digital. He graduated from African Leadership University with BSc (Hons) in Computer Science. He has also attended a Creative art school where he earned a certificate in Graphic Design.

Bertrand is joining AKADEMIYA2063 as a Digital Media Specialist to support the institute mission and vision.