Akizi-Egnim AKALA is an accomplished security and governance expert with extensive experience across Africa in security sector reform, political and security analysis, and the prevention of organized crime, violent extremism, and terrorism. He provides policy advice and technical guidance to governments, regional organizations, and private entities, helping to design and implement strategies that strengthen governance, enhance resilience, and promote regional stability.
He currently serves as Regional Coordinator for West Africa of the EU-funded SEACOP Programme, leading initiatives to enhance maritime security, intelligence exchange, inter-agency cooperation, and capacity building against illicit trafficking. Previously, he worked with INTERPOL as Operations Coordinator for the West African Police Information System (WAPIS), an EU-funded programme improving police information sharing and operational capacities to counter organized crime and terrorism. In this role, he played a key part in establishing legal frameworks, police data systems, and regional information-sharing platforms.
Mr. Akala has also collaborated with the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GITOC) under the ENACT Project, contributing to the Africa Organized Crime Index and conducting research on criminal markets and governance vulnerabilities. Earlier in his career, he served as a senior police officer in the Togolese National Police, holding positions as lead investigator, security liaison officer, and trainer on transnational crime for national and UN field missions.
He holds master’s degrees in Conflict, Peace and Security, Management, and Humanities, along with a postgraduate diploma in Crisis Management and Armed Conflicts. Currently pursuing a PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy at the Center for Diplomatic and Strategic Studies (CEDS) in Paris, Mr. Akala’s work focuses on conflict prevention, governance, rule of law, and sustainable development, with particular expertise in political and security dynamics in West Africa.
Professional Experience· 6
Regional Political and Security Analyst – Sub-Saharan Africa
Independent Consultant (Various Companies)
2023
Delivered strategic country-level risk assessments on security, governance, and extremism trends. • Provided actionable insights to international development and security actors. • Monitored cross-border trade impacts, political developments, and intercommunal tensions.
Regional Coordinator for Africa – SEACOP Project
Expertise France (EU-Funded)
Juin 2022
Overseeing the regional rollout of the SEACOP project in more than eight African countries, coordinating the creation of maritime intelligence units, technical training, legal harmonization, and inter-institutional cooperation to combat illicit trafficking at sea.
Operations Coordinator – WAPIS Programme
INTERPOL
Juillet 2019-juin 2022
Coordinating the implementation of the WAPIS program in 16 West African countries, developing secure police data systems, legal frameworks, training, and strategic partnerships to strengthen the fight against organized crime and terrorism.
Country Officer – WAPIS Programme
INTERPOL
Février 2018-juin 2019
National rollout of the WAPIS program, establishing data centers, training law enforcement agencies, and ensuring legal and operational alignment with institutional and international partners.
Consultant / Research Associate – ENACT Project
Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime (GITOC)
2017
Strategic research for the ENACT program, producing country profiles and analyses of criminal economies in West Africa to inform regional policies to combat organized crime.
Senior Officer & Lead Investigator – Criminal Investigation Department
Togolese National Police
2007-2016
Conducting complex investigations into transnational organized crime, while liaising nationally with INTERPOL, deploying the I-24/7 system, training law enforcement agencies, and coordinating regional security operations.
Education· 10
Master’s in International Relations (Conflictology)
UNITAR/UOC Spain
2018
Complex Humanitarian Emergencies of the building a better Response online course
Humanitarian Academy at Harvard
2018
Certificate Advanced Security in the Field, Information Security Awareness-Advanced
United Nations Department of Safety and Security
2017
Postgraduate diploma in armed conflicts and crisis management, Conflicts, peace and security
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
2016-2018
certifications in the prevention of violence against women, gender equality, and the principles of peacekeeping operations.
UN Institute for Peace Operations Training
2016-2017
Master in human resource management, Gestion des ressources humaines / administration du personnel, général
Institut Africain d'Administration et d'Etude Commerciales
2008-2010
Master's in English Linguistics
University of Lomé
2008
Police Superintendent Diplomas
Ecole Supérieure des Forces de Sécurité
2007-2011
Bachelor’s in Education & Humanities
University of Lomé
2004
FBI Certificate
Interview & Interrogation Techniques
