The Executives and Support Staff of the Executive Secretariat (ES) of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) benefited from a unique teambuilding workshop on 28th and 29th July, 2026 in Niamey, with the support of the German Cooperation.

With its combination of brainstorming sessions, fun challenges and collective engagement, the event has strengthened social and organisational cohesion, encouraged experience sharing and reinforced a spirit of collaboration around a common ambition amongst the staff of the NBA Executive Secretariat.

The initiative aims to strengthen ties between colleagues, foster team spirit and lay the foundations for a more united, stronger and effective Executive Secretariat.

Celebrating successes and fostering collaborative intelligence
The first day was devoted to self-reflection and the acknowledgement of successes. In an interactive atmosphere, participants shared their personal experiences and reflections and identified the key achievements that marked the past twelve months. Through brainstorming sessions per department and fun activities, which enabled:
- Each colleague to exchange constructive and positive feedbacks that are essential for improving flow in teamworking and;
- All staff members to better know each other, thereby discovering the unknown inner skills and talents, to strengthen internal collaboration within the Executive Secretariat.

Communication and leadership: pillars of performance
The programme also highlighted the importance of effective communication.
Practical exercises and a ‘reflective walk in pairs’ enabled the NBA staff to improve their ability to listen to one another. The first day concluded with a gala dinner, celebrating collective successes in a friendly atmosphere.

The proceedings of the second day helped participants to:
- Explore the concepts of shared leadership through immersive role-plays and;
- Experience taking on collective responsibility, a key driver for modernising the administration of the NBA Executive Secretariat.

Crisis management and shared commitment:  “Mission Consensus” Escape Game
The rest of the proceedings of the second day of the workshop were mainly marked by:
- The organisation of an Escape Game called “Mission Consensus” which helped to test the conflict management and consensus-building skills within the NBA Executive Secretariat staff and;
- A founding act with the development of a team charter, highlighting the values and rules for living together, agreed upon to ensure lasting performance. This team charter henceforth guides and frames the collaborative work of the NBA Executive Secretariat’ staff.

This event, which focused on cohesion and excellence for social and organisational transformation of the NBA Executive Secretariat, was made possible thanks to the financial and technical support of the German Cooperation through the “GIZ Support to the NBA” Project. The event also provided an opportunity for the NBA Executive Secretary to present certificates of recognition to his staff.