soonsyra.lowenicolas@cabri-sbo.org

Soonsyra has worked for CABRI under several portfolios, i.e., as an independent consultant in 2016, the Acting Executive Secretary in 2022/2023 and as the Stakeholder Liaison Manager since 2019. Her work has focused on fostering mutually beneficial relationships with development partners, CABRI member countries and key stakeholders.

Her professional career began as a senior corporate banker and senior operations banker of a leading bank in The Gambia, before transitioning into international development consultancy where she has advised and worked with organisations including Influence Africa/Blandford Consulting, United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) Canada.

In her roles at CABRI, she has overseen the implementation of donor-funded projects, managed high-level partnerships with the African Development Bank, GIZ, the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Gates Foundation. She also supports CABRI’s governance structures including its Management Committee and General Assembly. With a background spanning consultancy for international organisations, corporate banking, and financial management, she has a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency, securing funding, liaising with high-level stakeholders, driving institutional growth through stakeholder liaison expertise and strategic decision-making.

Soonsyra holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and a Bachelor of Honours in International Relations from Shaw University, USA. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and Wolof, with a great working knowledge of French.

Her proudest achievements are being a wife and mother of two.