William Codjo To Join Arterial Network As New Secretary General - Arterial Network

The Arterial Network Secretariat in Cape Town is pleased to announce that William Codjo will be coming onboard as the new Secretary-General! 

With widespread experience across Africa, the longstanding cultural expert will bring significant global expertise in cultural policy, capacity-building, governance, financial management and a full range of issues pertaining to culture and development.

Announcing the appointment, Arterial Network Chairperson Mamou Daffe said, “This appointment is a huge coup for Arterial Network. We are indeed privileged to have secured the services of someone of the calibre and experience of William Codjo!”

Codjo, who is from Benin, has been an independent consultant on global culture and development for fifteen years, conducting missions and projects in numerous African countries for organisations such as UNESCO, the European Union, and the International Organization of Francophonie. His extensive work brings enriched understanding of the cultural sectors and contexts in different parts of the continent. Codjo is a senior UNESCO culture expert for the promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions, and his expertise in Cultural Policy will guide Arterial Network engagement with African governments and facilitate effective civil society participation in processes for the development of cultural and creative industries.

Codjo’s vast experience in conceptualizing and leading cultural training initiatives will be a crucial asset for Arterial Network’s wide-reaching capacity building programmes. Previously, he worked as the technical assistant of the Ethiopian government for the promotion of the creative economy in Ethiopia, under the mandate of the European Union and is currently in charge of the evaluation of programmes for ACP Culture, ACP Films and ACP Cultures Plus.

Outgoing Secretary-General Peter Rorvik noted that Codjo’s familiarity with Arterial Network and its various projects, and his participation as a member of Arterial Network’s Cultural Policy Task Group, will stand him in good stead to drive the operations of the network. According to Rorvik, “He will be able to hit the ground running.”

Accepting the position, Codjo said, “This is an important and exciting challenge for me to take the leadership of Arterial Network after an experienced person of the calibre of Peter Rorvik. I will need his and the Steering Committee’s support in this assignment. Together as a team, we will be able to do the best for our continent.”  

A comprehensive press release will be issued when he takes up office in the near future. Meanwhile, congratulations and a hearty welcome to William Codjo! 

Photo: Bénin Cultures