The ECOWAS Women Peace and Security Regional Steering Group for 2024 was officially launched in Abuja, with a focus on sustaining the momentum towards monitoring and reporting on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in West Africa using the Continental Results Framework (CRF).Nigeria's commitment to women's leadership in peace and security was highlighted by H.E. Mrs. Barr. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, who stated, "With robust national action plans and localized security resolutions, Nigeria is spearheading efforts... Read More »

Praia, April 24, 2024 – The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) and the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) came together to organize a regional capacity-building workshop on green hydrogen. The event, held in Praia on April 24 and 25, 2024, aimed to benefit Energy Directors from ECOWAS Member States.According to ECREEE, the regional strategy and action plans for green hydrogen emphasize the importance of enhancing the knowledge of various stakeholders. In response to this necessity, ECREEE took... Read More »

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has initiated a crucial workshop centered on the West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU) from April 23rd to 25th, 2024. The primary objective of the workshop is to validate the WENDU 2023 data and enhance regional responses to drug abuse challenges. Additionally, the workshop serves as a platform to reaffirm ECOWAS's dedication to monitoring and assisting Sierra Leone in tackling its drug abuse emergency related to the use of Kush.In her opening address, Dr Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Director of Humanitarian... Read More »

The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund, the concessional lending arm of the African Development Bank Group, has approved a partial credit guarantee to support Rwanda’s mobilisation of financing to implement green and social initiatives. The project aims to enable Rwanda to raise up to €200 million competitively from international commercial banks to fund various sustainable projects.Ahmed Attout, the Bank Group Acting Director for Financial Sector Development, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, "This operation demonstrates how... Read More »

The Republic of Liberia Executive Mansion, Monrovia - The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has nominated a significant number of individuals to fill various government positions in Margibi and Sinoe Counties. The nominations, as mentioned, are pending approval by the Liberian Senate.In Margibi County, a list of individuals has been nominated for key positions including County Administrative Officer, County Development Officer, City Mayors, Commissioners, and other roles. Similarly, in Sinoe County, a diverse group of nominees... Read More »

The African Development Bank has announced the renewal of its Bank-Civil Society Committee for the 2024-2026 term. The committee, described as a diverse and carefully selected group, is set to play a crucial role in ensuring that civil society contributes effectively to inclusive growth and the transformation of the continent.Zeneb TOURE, Manager of Civil Society and Community Engagement at the African Development Bank, emphasized the committee's role, stating, "The committee will continue to serve as an advisory body to the Bank and will ensure that the implementation of... Read More »

Brazil has officially become a member of the Lusophone Compact, an initiative aimed at accelerating private sector development in Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa. The agreement was signed by Brazil's Minister for Planning and Budget, Simone Tebet, with the president of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, along with ambassadors from Portugal and Portuguese-speaking African countries.During the signing ceremony in Brasilia, Minister Tebet emphasized the importance of strengthening economic ties between Brazil and the PALOPs, saying, “Brazil and... Read More »

Dr Drew Whitworth, a researcher from the Manchester Institute of Education, will be returning to St Helena to continue the research project 'Mapping the Information Landscapes of St Helena'. Partnered with Gareth Drabble, the project aims to assess the impact of high-speed internet on the island following the introduction of the Equiano cable.The research, funded by the St Helena Research Institute, focuses on key social objectives, including improved connectivity for households and businesses, reduced overseas referrals for health treatments, and enabling individuals... Read More »

"The Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) of St Helena has announced a consultation period for new tariff proposals from Connect St Helena. The URA is seeking input from the public on these proposals, as highlighted by the statement, "The URA wishes to receive responses from as many people as possible on the tariff proposals and the consultation is open to all."According to the information provided, interested parties can access the consultation document through various channels. The document can be obtained by contacting Judicial Services by phone at 22340 or reaching... Read More »

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently awarded prizes to young artists at the closing ceremony of the 13th Edition of the Marché des Arts du Spectacle d’Abidjan (MASA) 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire. The winners of the ECOWAS Prizes were recognized for their talent and creativity, with the aim of promoting cultural development in the region.H.E. Fanta Cisse, the Resident Representative of ECOWAS to Côte d’Ivoire, highlighted the organization's commitment to supporting cultural industries and fostering the professionalization of artists. She emphasized the... Read More »

In a recent development at First Bank of Nigeria Limited, the Board of Directors has made significant changes in the leadership structure of the 130-year-old institution. Following the resignation of Dr. Adesola Adeduntan as the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, the Board has swiftly appointed Olusegun Alebiosu as the acting CEO, effective immediately.Alebiosu, who previously served as the Executive Director / Chief Risk Officer, played a key role in the transformation of FirstBank over the past eight years. With over three decades of banking experience,... Read More »

On April 24, 2024, African Hidden Champions (AHC) will gather prominent African business founders in Johannesburg for an exclusive Soirée, celebrating their entrepreneurial spirit and global endeavors. The event will include a private concert by acclaimed South African artist, Ami Faku.AHC, a partnership between Africa Foresight Group, DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft, and the African Development Bank, aims to support African firms in expanding globally through various means of assistance. The soirée, themed "Proudly Local, Boldly Global," is also... Read More »

Director of Economic Development, Damian Burns, represented St Helena at the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) in Cape Town last week as part of the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa. At the forum, Damian unveiled the St Helena Investment Prospectus 2024, highlighting the investment and commercial opportunities available in the region.Speaking about the launch of the prospectus, Damian Burns stated, “Our island is an emerging destination with significant tourism potential and untapped investment opportunities. We are seeking investors who are looking for responsible,... Read More »

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., of Liberia recently hosted a significant assembly of members of the House of Representatives aligned with the Rescue Mission of the Ruling Unity Party. The assembly took place during a one-day Executive-Legislative Agenda Setting Retreat in Tubmanburg, Bomi County on Saturday, April 20, 2024.During the session at the Bomi City Hall, President Boakai emphasized the importance of the Agriculture Road Rule of Law Education Sanitation & Tourism (ARREST) Agenda, stating, "The ARREST Agenda is not a hidden agenda but one that is open for all... Read More »

President Adama Barrow, in his capacity as the Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, delivered a speech at the 16th Convocation Ceremony of the university. Addressing the audience, which included government officials, diplomats, religious leaders, scholars, and guests, President Barrow expressed his pride and honor in presiding over the event.He began by congratulating the graduands and emphasizing the significance of the ceremony, stating, "We are here to joyfully acknowledge and reward the dedication, perseverance, and hard work leading to this remarkable moment."... Read More »

The ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Professor Fatou SOW SARR, recently addressed the press at the Commission's Headquarters in Abuja, focusing on the organization's efforts in the humanitarian field and youth development. Professor SARR emphasized the importance of ECOWAS policies in these areas, stating that "each of the components works for the development of the Community through regional policies that take into account sectors such as gender, education, youth and humanitarian aid."Regarding humanitarian issues, the ECOWAS Commission has... Read More »

The leaders of 10 multilateral development banks have come together to announce joint steps aimed at working more effectively as a system to increase the impact and scale of their work in addressing urgent development challenges. In a Viewpoint Note published at the conclusion of a retreat hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the leaders outlined key deliverables for joint and coordinated action in 2024 and beyond.The actions outlined in the Viewpoint Note represent a significant milestone in the collaboration amongst MDBs, with a focus on accelerating... Read More »

The African Development Bank Group President, Akinwumi Adesina, has called for urgent action to address the impact of climate change on African countries. Adesina highlighted the vulnerability of Africa to climate change, stating that "Africa is in the eye of the storm from climate change, accounting for 9 out of the 10 most vulnerable countries to climate change globally."Speaking at a high-level roundtable on climate finance, Adesina emphasized the significant financing gap in climate adaptation, pointing out that Africa received only $30 billion per year while its... Read More »

African Development Bank Group president, Dr Akinwumi Adesina is travelling to Brazil for a two-day official visit to meet with President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, government officials, and the business community to discuss investment opportunities in Africa.Brazil is keen to strengthen its economic cooperation with Africa across a number of sectors including agriculture and health. During the visit, Brazil will formalize its membership of the Lusophone Compact, an agreement aimed at developing the private sector in the Portuguese-speaking countries of Africa known as... Read More »

Abuja, Nigeria, April 18, 2024 – Approval of the evaluation process of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct and the maritime safety and security architecture of the Gulf of Guinea to mark the 10th anniversary of the said process was one of the key recommendations of the 4th annual meeting of the heads of institutions of the Interregional Coordination Centre (ICC) held on 18 April 2024 at the headquarters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission in Abuja, Nigeria.The meeting, following a gathering of experts on 16 and 17 April 2024, served as a platform... Read More »