ECOWAS and WAEMU prepare for West African Festival of Arts and Culture

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) are convening a meeting from May 8 to 10, 2024, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The gathering will bring together members of the Regional Organising Committee for the West African Festival of Arts and Culture (ECOFEST). The purpose of this meeting is to discuss preparations for ECOFEST, slated for September 21 to 28, 2024, and finalise plans for the festival's launch on May 11, 2024. Read More »

Field Road Project Update: Completion Delayed to Late October 2024

The project to widen and resurface Field Road is progressing well. All hillside and road surfacing excavation works are now complete. The service strip, which contains an empty duct allowing for future services installation, is currently underway. The slipper drain is also under construction, collecting and directing road and hillside surface water run-off into cross drains to dissipate the flow energy before discharging the water downhill. These works are expected to be completed this month. Read More »

Revitalizing the Beninese Citrus Value Chain

Mr. Dieu-Donné Alladjodjo, CEO Promo Fruits Benin, shared the challenges faced by his company and the positive impact of their partnership with the USAID West Africa Trade Hub in reviving the citrus sector in Benin. He explained how their collaboration aimed to enhance the quality and quantity of citrus yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure consistent market access through contractual agreements.Reflecting on the transformation brought about by the partnership, Mr. Klouvi, a citrus farmer in Lalo, expressed, "The training provided by Promo Fruits... has inspired... Read More »

Data Protection Public Information Meetings Scheduled Across St Helena Island

The St Helena Government (SHG) has announced public information meetings scheduled for May 2024 to increase awareness about the ongoing efforts towards implementing data protection policies and legislation. The meetings will be held in various districts across the island. The first meeting is set to occur at the Half Tree Hollow Community Centre on Thursday, May 9, at 19:30. Read More »

ECOWAS-ICAO-BAGASOO to Hold Coordination Meeting on PASTA-CO Project Implementation in Lagos

The Directorate of Transport of the ECOWAS Commission will hold a coordination meeting with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Banjul Accord Group for Aviation Safety Oversight Organization (BAGASOO) on the implementation of the Support Program for Air Transport Development in West and Central Africa (PASTA-CO) Project in Lagos, Nigeria from May 7th to 9th, 2024. Read More »

ECOWAS to participate in the WURI project’s phase ii mid-term review

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to participate in the mid-term review of the WURI project's phase II, as organized by the World Bank. The regional workshop, scheduled from May 6 to 8, 2024, in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, aims to gather key stakeholders to assess the progress of the project and set the course for its future.The workshop will focus on various objectives, as stated by the organizers: "build knowledge and capacity on specific operational themes, share experiences and best practices between participating countries, agree on principles... Read More »

Zenith Bank Reports 189% Growth in Q1 Earnings Despite Challenging Environment

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its unaudited results for the first quarter ended 31st March 2024, showcasing impressive financial growth amid challenging market conditions. According to Zenith Bank, the submitted unaudited statement of account to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on May 3, 2024, highlighted significant progress in both the top and bottom lines.Interest income played a crucial role in the bank's success, with Zenith Bank noting a substantial 155% growth from the previous year. This growth in interest income, reaching ₦489 billion in Q1 2024, was attributed to... Read More »

Industry Engagement Forum in Lagos Aims to Increase Health Product Manufacturing in Africa

The 2024 Industry Engagement Forum, themed "Unlocking Healthcare Value Chains and Driving Investment through Partnerships: Accelerating Equitable Access to Quality-Assured Sustainable Health Products," is set to take place from May 7-9, 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria. The forum aims to accelerate equitable access to urgently needed health products through collaborative partnerships and to facilitate investment opportunities to expand local pharmaceutical manufacturing.Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, PVAC National Coordinator, emphasized the importance of industrializing the health care... Read More »

ECOWAS Hosts Technical Conference on Human Capital Development in Accra

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is hosting a three-day technical conference on Human Capital Development (HCD) from 8th -10th May in Accra, Ghana. The conference aims to engage with Member States’ focal points, partners, and ECOWAS technical staff on the importance of prioritizing HCD in social and economic agendas at regional and national levels.The 2024 ECOWAS HCD Technical Conference will bring together Member State HCD focal points, technical staff from the Commission, and key stakeholders with expertise and interest in HCD. External... Read More »

ECOWAS Launches National Platforms in Liberia and Sierra Leone for Cross-Border Cooperation

The launch of the National Platforms of the Republics of Liberia and Sierra Leone for the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme (ECBCSP 2023-2027) marks a significant step towards improving the lives of Community Citizens in border areas of Member States.In Monrovia, the Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission in Liberia, Amb. Josephine Nkrumah, representing Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, highlighted the importance of the launch, stating that it will kick-start robust implementation between Liberia and its neighbouring States. Meanwhile, in Freetown, the... Read More »

Strengthening Diplomatic Relations: ECOWAS Ambassador Hosts Three Ambassadors in Guinea

The ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea, H.E. Mr Louis Blaise AKA-BROU, recently welcomed three Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary accredited to the Republic of Guinea at the ECOWAS Office in Conakry.HE Abbassador AKA-BROU engaged in private discussions with each diplomat, focusing on the transition process in Guinea and the support of ECOWAS and its partners for a peaceful and successful transition. He also emphasized ECOWAS's commitment to assisting the Transition authorities in achieving an inclusive and peaceful transition.The Ambassadors, including... Read More »

Zenith Fintech Subsidiary Zenpay Limited Partners AFCFTA on Innovative Trade Portal

Zenpay Limited, a subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc, has partnered with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to launch the SMARTAfCFTA Portal aimed at enhancing trade within Africa. The agreement was signed by Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, Chairman of Zenpay Limited, and His Excellency Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, at the Zenith Bank Headquarters in Lagos.Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of increasing intra-African trade. He stated, "In Africa, intra-African trade... Read More »

President Adama Barrow Closes 15th OIC Islamic Summit in The Gambia

His Excellency, Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia and Chairman of the 15th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Islamic Summit, expressed gratitude and praise to all involved in the successful hosting of the historic Summit, held in The Gambia.President Barrow commended the efforts of the Secretariat of the OIC in Saudi Arabia and The Gambia for their dedication in ensuring the Summit's success, stating, "We are most thankful to everyone involved in the process for making this dream come true in such a remarkable manner."Acknowledging the... Read More »

President Adama Barrow Delivers Address at 15th OIC Islamic Summit

President Adama Barrow of The Republic of The Gambia, also serving as the Chairman of the 15th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Islamic Summit, delivered a heartfelt address to esteemed attendees on May 4, 2024.Barrow began his speech by warmly welcoming all the dignitaries, delegates, and guests to the summit, expressing his honor and privilege to host the event in The Gambia. He extended gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia for his support in making the summit possible.Acknowledging the challenges faced by the Muslim world, Barrow... Read More »

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio Attends OIC Summit in The Gambia

Banjul, The Gambia, Saturday 4 May 2024 – Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio joined other Heads of State at the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) in The Gambia for the 15th summit themed "Enhancing Unity and Solidarity Through Dialogue for Sustainable Development".President Bio expressed gratitude to President Adama Barrow and the Government of Saudi Arabia for hosting the conference, stating that Sierra Leone was proud to be part of the diverse community bound by shared values and aspirations. He highlighted the significance of the conference in fostering... Read More »

President of Sierra Leone Attends 15th Organisation of Islamic Conference in The Gambia

His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, participated in the 15th Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) held in Banjul, Republic of The Gambia on May 4, 2024. During the event, President Bio delivered a statement where he expressed his thoughts on various issues.President Bio stated, "I am pleased to be part of this important gathering of the Organisation of Islamic Conference, where we have the opportunity to discuss critical matters affecting our nations."The two-day engagement of the OIC was attended by leaders from Islamic... Read More »

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