Good afternoon, colleagues. It’s wonderful to see you all here for the swearing in of our new USAID West Africa Regional Mission Director, Daniel Moore. A special hello to Acting Assistant Administrator for Africa Cheryl Anderson, who is joining us virtually from Washington.
It’s a distinct honor for me to represent the U.S. government on such an important occasion for the West Africa Regional Mission. Usually, these ceremonies are held in Washington, and the USAID administrator administers the oath of office for USAID mission directors. However, because Daniel wishes to be closer to his colleagues, he has chosen to take the oath here at post. We get to witness and celebrate this significant moment with him. It is an approach that I support and readily agreed to!
Daniel is no stranger to the continent, nor is this his first tour as a mission director. His career with USAID spans more than 25 years, and 20 of those 25 years have been spent in Africa. His tenure includes serving as mission director in Mali and as deputy mission director in Tanzania. He comes to us now from Washington, where he served as a senior advisor to the acting assistant administrator for Africa — so he brings with him a fresh dose of Washington perspective!
With his background, I expect Daniel will have a fluid transition to leading the West Africa mission and its dynamic programs across the region.
Though I will not have the pleasure to work directly with him, our interagency team has much to look forward to. Daniel is an accessible, approachable and collaborative colleague, who is known for keeping his door open and building a supportive team environment. The USAID administrator already knows what you will soon witness firsthand: Daniel is an excellent choice to carry forth the USAID West Africa Regional Mission portfolio.
Daniel, we are thrilled that you have agreed to accept the role of mission director. I trust that you and your team will continue the great work USAID conducts throughout this vast region. USAID’s annual assistance helps millions to increase their incomes. It boosts the energy sector; improves maternal and child health; and perpetuates democracy, peace and good governance. Your leadership will be crucial to supporting West Africans on their path to peace, prosperity and self-reliance. And we know that a prosperous, stable West Africa contributes to a prosperous, secure America.
So, without further ado, I’d like to invite Daniel and Antonina to come forward as I administer the oath of office.
Colleagues, I present to you the new mission director of the United States Agency for International Development in West Africa, Mr. Daniel Moore.
