Dr. Aly Abosabaa

Director General, International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)/ Regional Director – Central and West Asia and North Africa, One CGIAR

Aly Abousabaa is CGIAR’s Regional Director, Central and West Asia and North Africa, as well as Director-General of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA).

He is a strategic leader in sustainable development, climate change advocacy, and agriculture research in the global dry regions.

Prior to joining CGIAR to head ICARDA, Aly was Vice President of the African Development Bank (AfDB). He led the preparation and execution of the bank’s key strategies in agriculture, water, natural resources management, climate change, infrastructure, women, youth, and governance. Through mobilizing and managing a portfolio of USD 11 billion, his work made a transformational impact on the lives of millions of people across Africa. Aly also helped coordinate climate change negotiations in Africa, and acted as Gender Champion. He serves on several international boards such as the board of governors at the Arab Water Council and the Board of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation.