Understanding #7AUAgencies in 2026: How Bensah has been “in the room” since 1995

My journey into *African governance and integration did not begin in boardrooms; it began as a student in Europe 30 years ago*, witnessing moments when *powerful institutions were forced to confront failure, reform, and public accountability*.

From global development debates at the UN’s 50th anniversary, to European integration becoming real in everyday life, and later to AU Summits, regional integration forums, and *moderating AU youth consultations at the ECOWAS Commission,* I have experienced policy not as theory, but as lived reality.

These moments shaped my belief that Africa’s transformation will not come from declarations alone, *but from institutions that work, citizens who are informed*, and partnerships that deliver.

Through #7AUAgencies and *my engagement with APRM, I tell these stories to help bridge policy and people* — because implementation is where development becomes real.

My crime fiction, #JazzNightsJupiter, now dramatizes Africa’s governance through Agenda 2063 Cinematic Universe.

### 1995–1999: University Years in Brussels, Belgium (Early Formative Exposure)-

**1995**: In Belgium during the **United Nations 50th Anniversary** celebrations — witnessed global commemorations of multilateralism, peace-building, and development in the post-Cold War era, with Brussels-based diplomatic events.-

**1996**: Just started university in Brussels when the **Dutroux affair** broke out (August 1996) — lived through Belgium’s national trauma over child abduction, trafficking, serial killings, institutional failures, cover-ups, and the massive White March protests (October 1996, 300,000+ people) demanding justice reform.-

**1998**: At university in Brussels during Europe’s **80th anniversary commemorations of the end of World War I** (Armistice Day 11 November 1998) — immersed in Belgium’s national remembrance (Ypres ceremonies, Menin Gate Last Post, Flanders fields events) and reflections on peace, reconciliation, and the cost of conflict.-

**1999**: Still at university in Brussels when the **Santer European Commission resigned en masse** (15 March 1999) — witnessed Europe’s first full Commission collapse over fraud, mismanagement, nepotism, and cronyism, amid intense calls for transparency and institutional reform in the EU.

### 2000s: Early Professional & Continental Engagement- **2001**:

Attended the **Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC-III)** in Brussels (14–20 May 2001) — present for the adoption of the Brussels Declaration and Programme of Action, shaping global commitments to poverty reduction, trade preferences, debt relief, and special measures for vulnerable nations.-

**2007**: Attended the **9th African Union Summit** in Accra, Ghana (1–3 July 2007) — witnessed the historic Grand Debate on a United States of Africa and adoption of the Accra Declaration, a pivotal moment for accelerating continental political and economic integration.

### 2010s: Deepening Regional & Continental Involvement- **2011**: Undergoing consultancy in Addis Ababa (March 2011) — read Ethiopian newspapers calling for an AU solution to NATO’s intervention in Libya, gaining early insight into continental crisis response and AU foreign policy debates.-

**2014**: Attended **CCDA IV** (Climate Change and Development in Africa Conference) in Morocco — interviewed a senior official of the **African Risk Capacity (ARC)** about the AU’s role in fighting climate change and disaster risk finance.-

**2015**: Produced **ECOWAS@40 podcasts** during the ECOWAS 40th anniversary year — saw ECOWAS trending on Twitter as the community marked four decades of regional integration.-

**2016**: Invited by **Borderless Alliance** to moderate a regional integration event in Accra (June 2016) — facilitated discussions on improved trade facilitation, transport corridors, and reducing barriers to intra-West African commerce under ECOWAS.-

**2017**: Invited by the **African Union** to moderate the **AU-ECOWAS Regional Youth Consultation Meeting** at the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja (September 2017) — steered high-level discussions on youth participation in politics, governance, peace & security, and Agenda 2063 implementation.-

**2018**: Attended the **AU convening of CSOs in Dakar** on what became the **AfCFTA** — witnessed the civil society consultations that shaped the African Continental Free Trade Area.-

**2018**: Attended the **first major meeting of the Agenda 2063 Media Network** in Nairobi with select journalists — helped amplify the “Africa We Want” vision through media engagement.-

**2019 (May)**: Invited by APRM to participate and moderate the **seminal media roundtable** in Addis Ababa (1–2 May 2019) — present at the birth of structured media engagement around APRM, leading to the creation of the APRM Communications Network/Champions (social platforms launched that month).-

**2019 (July)**: Attended the **inaugural APRM International Youth Symposium / related launch** in Ndjamena, Chad — witnessed early institutionalization of youth and outreach efforts.

### 2020s: APRM Champion Era & Ongoing Leadership-

**2021**: Nominated as **APRM Communication Champion** — began ongoing role amplifying governance work.-

**2021–2023**: Supported all three **Joint APRM-AU Peace & Security Council Retreats** (Ethkini series) in South Africa — amplified messages, contributed to press releases.-

**2022**: Co-led **APRM Sensitization Mission to Lesotho** (June 2022) — trained journalists, delivered sessions on APRM history and media role, reactivated dormant structure.-

**2023**: Enlisted by NAPRM Executive Director to support and amplify **Ghana’s APRM Targeted Review Mission** on “Corporate Governance as a Catalyst for AfCFTA Implementation” (March 2023 consultations).-

**2023**: Appointed to **APRM@20 Task Force** — contributed to planning and execution of 20th anniversary celebrations.-

**2024**: Moderated the **WACSI-ECOSOCC Side Event** on “The Role of CSOs in Advancing the Implementation of the AfCFTA” in Accra (July 20, 2024) — co-hosted with AfCFTA Policy Network (APN) during ECOSOCC’s 20th anniversary.-

**2025**: Participated in the **relaunch of the APRM Communicators’ Network** at the Pan-African Parliament, Midrand (10–11 November 2025) — during the 5th APRM Youth Symposium, strengthening youth engagement and visibility.-

**Ongoing (2025–2026)**:

Training media on Africa’s aviation reforms amid ECOWAS airline tax/charge reductions (effective 2026); serving as Communications Adviser to Hon. Edem Senanu (Chair, AU Advisory Board Against Corruption).

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