The African Development Bank Group has taken a significant stride in bolstering its commitment to transparency and accountability by appointing leadership for its newly established Disclosure and Access to Information (DAI) Appeals Panel. Mohammed Nyaoga, a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience in corporate finance and governance, has been selected as the chairperson, while Devalingum Naiken Gopalla, a distinguished expert in banking, finance, and regulatory compliance, will serve as the vice-chairperson. This appointment signifies the Bank’s dedication to ensuring fairness and due process in handling information disclosure appeals, further solidifying its commitment to open governance. The selection took place during the panel’s inaugural induction and working session, held virtually in March 2025, marking a crucial step towards operationalizing this vital oversight mechanism.
The DAI Appeals Panel assumes the critical role of final arbiter in information disclosure appeals within the African Development Bank Group. Comprised of six members serving renewable three-year terms, the panel constitutes the second tier of the Bank’s two-stage appeals process. It reviews decisions made by the Records Management and Information Disclosure Committee (RMIDC), providing a mechanism for redress and ensuring that requests for information are handled impartially and in accordance with the Bank’s disclosure policy. The panel’s rulings are final, underscoring the weight of its authority and the Bank’s commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability. The appointment of such distinguished professionals as Nyaoga and Gopalla to lead the panel further reinforces the Bank’s dedication to these principles.
The induction and working session served as a crucial preparatory phase for the newly constituted panel. Members received comprehensive training on the Bank’s DAI Policy, first adopted in 1997 and subsequently revised in 2012 to emphasize maximum disclosure, reflecting the Bank’s evolving commitment to transparency. The training also covered the Bank’s Records Management and Archives Policy, implemented in 2018, and the presidential directive that established both the RMIDC and the Appeals Panel. This comprehensive overview equipped the panel members with the necessary knowledge and understanding of the Bank’s framework for information management and disclosure, ensuring they are well-prepared to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
A key element of the induction program focused on familiarizing the panel with the Bank’s proactive disclosure mechanisms and the process for handling information requests. This includes an understanding of the Bank’s electronic content management system, Sankofa, designed to streamline the classification, management, and accessibility of records and documents for staff. The training also highlighted how the Bank leverages its internal resources to effectively implement its disclosure policies. This comprehensive training ensured that the panel members are well-versed in the practical aspects of information access and management within the Bank, enabling them to make informed decisions when adjudicating appeals
Nyaoga, a Senior Counsel and Senior Partner at Mohammed Muigai LLP, brings a wealth of experience to his role as chairperson. His expertise in corporate finance, governance, and litigation, coupled with his previous roles as Chairman of the Central Bank of Kenya and the International Monetary Fund External Experts Panel, provides a strong foundation for leading the DAI Appeals Panel. His experience in central bank governance and his certification as a trainer in this area further strengthens his credentials for overseeing matters related to transparency and accountability within a financial institution.
Gopalla, a Partner at Dentons with over two decades of experience, complements Nyaoga’s expertise with his specialization in banking, finance, and regulatory compliance. Admitted to the bar in both England & Wales and Mauritius, Gopalla has advised financial institutions and regulators across Africa and Asia, gaining valuable experience in project finance, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investments, and cross-border transactions. His leadership role as Chair of the Mauritius Chapter of the New York State Bar Association’s International Committee further highlights his commitment to promoting legal cooperation and regulatory harmonization, which are crucial for ensuring effective information disclosure practices. The combined expertise and experience of Nyaoga and Gopalla, along with the other panel members, create a formidable team capable of upholding the Bank’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations.
