Pr. Aidara Ndiaye is the first Senegalese to earn a Master’s degree in Development with a specialization in International Health from Senghor University, a direct operator of La Francophonie. She further advanced her academic prowess with a PhD from Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal, and a concurrent PhD from University Claude Bernard Lyon 1 in France and Senghor University in Egypt. Her extensive research focused on the quality of information, decision-making aid circuits, and the biases affecting decision-makers’ choices.
At Cheikh Anta Diop University, she serves as a researcher and professor, holding a certification from the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES).
Pr. Aidara Ndiaye’s experience spans notable laboratories such as LIRIS / MASS, MA2D, and ERIC / EA 3083, where she honed her expertise in decision support methodologies. Her transition into the human security sector post-master’s degree leveraged this knowledge, applying it to the development and implementation of innovative security solutions.
Since 2015, Pr. Aidara Ndiaye has led PWA-Senegal, driving programs that encompass inclusive security, civil society strengthening, countering and preventing violent extremism, and leadership development for women and youth.
Under her stewardship, PWA-S has expanded its impact across French-speaking West Africa, including Senegal, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, and has cultivated a robust network spanning the sub-region.
Pr. Aidara Ndiaye’s strategic and programmatic oversight has secured funding and support from prestigious entities such as the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), USAID, the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), and the US Embassy in Senegal, among others. Her initiatives have consistently promoted the integration and empowerment of women in peace and security efforts, exemplified by the regional program "Sentinels of Women, Peace and Security Resolutions and Social Cohesion," which she initiated and manages. This program synergizes eight major women’s CSO networks and platforms across 17 ECOWAS countries and the Sahel.
Her dedication to sustainable development is further evidenced by her leadership in the Sahel Road Safety Initiative, a project acclaimed for its innovative approach to road safety in the Sahel region. This initiative has garnered global recognition, being selected among the top 117 "best practices in terms of innovation, good governance, and sustainable development" from over 5,000 projects worldwide.
In 2022, Pr. Aidara Ndiaye was a finalist for the JFD's "Les Margaret" Awards, recognizing her project advocating for a collaborative ecological transition through green, safe, sustainable, and connected mobility with motorcycle taxis. This accolade highlights her commitment to digital innovation and ecological sustainability.
Beyond her executive role at PWA-S, Pr. Aidara Ndiaye holds influential positions as the 2nd vice-president of the Senegalese association within the Africa Center for Strategic Studies network (ACSS) and as a member of the African Security Sector Network (ASSN), Groupe Initiative Afrique (GIAf), and Cercle K2.
Pr. Adjaratou Wakha Aidara Ndiaye’s career is a testament to her relentless pursuit of equity, security, and sustainable development. Her work continues to inspire and drive significant advancements in women’s rights and development throughout West Africa.
