The AFBS on April 8, 2010 sent out letters to all eligible countries requesting them to appoint DAs. The goal of this step is to allow countries to start with the accreditation process for their potential NIE.
The role of the DA as far as the accreditation process is concerned is to
endorse the accreditation application of a potential NIE. It also plays a role
in endorsing future projects for the country. In other words, it has the
function of being the caretaker of the countries participation in the AF.
The DA endorses the NIE application, projects and programmes on behalf of the government of the country. It has to bear sufficient authority at the government level to perform this function.