The ECOWAS Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations and the ECOWAS Group at the United Nations organized a series of high-level events to commemorate the 49th anniversary of ECOWAS. The first event, a High-Level Dialogue on 'Regionalism, Democracy and Development in West Africa: Building Blocks to Strengthening Multilateralism,' was held on June 7, 2024, at the UN Headquarters. Read More »

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio held a bilateral meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, on Monday, June 24, 2024. During the meeting, President Bio expressed optimism about utilizing nuclear techniques to accelerate development results in Sierra Leone. Read More »

The Maritime Authority is proposing steps to implement new registry and licensing of local vessels to cover necessary safety standards. To facilitate this, all boat owners are invited to attend an information session on the topic: Local Vessel Registry, Licensing and Safety Standards Policy. Read More »

Since May 2023, the St Helena Government (SHG) Economic Development Team has been collaborating with Ryft Pay, a UK-based payment services provider, to facilitate Visa and MasterCard payments on the island. The Ryft Pay system is now being used by several businesses, enhancing convenience for both tourists and residents of St Helena who wish to use their credit cards. Read More »

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) launched its Pilot Project on Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) in West Africa with Ghana as the pioneer Member State. The project was inaugurated during a five-day workshop from June 3 to June 7, 2024, in Accra, Ghana. The event was held in partnership with Enhancing Africa’s Response to Transnational Organized Crime (ENACT Africa) and the Ghana Narcotics Control Commission (NCC), attracting multi-sectoral stakeholders. Read More »

Vienna, Austria, Monday 24 June 2024 – His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has secured USD $800 million in pledges from international development and financial institutions at the High-level Sierra Leone Investment Roundtable on Renewable Energy and Food Security. The event was organized by the OPEC Fund for International Development in partnership with Sierra Leone’s Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security. Read More »

The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) has announced a five-day regional workshop on "Energy Efficiency Initiatives and Sustainable Energy Data Collection" to be held from July 24 to 28, 2024, in Cotonou, Benin. This event is organized in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the African Energy Commission (AFREC), a specialized agency of the African Union. Read More »

President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., has relieved Dr. Julius J.S. Nelson of his position as President of the University of Liberia, effective immediately. President Boakai, as the Visitor to the University, took this action following several meetings with the institution’s Board of Trustees and various stakeholders. Read More »

The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, welcomed the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, on June 20, 2024, in Abuja. The courtesy visit aimed to discuss areas of collaboration between ECOWAS and the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA). During the visit, Mr. Olukoyede informed ECOWAS about the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NACIWA and sought collaboration on this event. Read More »

The Joint Assessment Mission of the International Moral Guarantors of the Agreement for National Unity, comprising ECOWAS, AU, and UNOWAS, concluded its four-day mission in Sierra Leone on June 21, 2024. Read More »

The meeting of the International Committee preparing the second edition of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Forum for African Research and Innovation (FARI-2025) will be held from June 25 to 28, 2024, in Cotonou, Benin. Read More »

The ECOWAS Regional Animal Health Center (RAHC) has successfully deployed the Regional Animal Health Information System (RAHIS) in Assinie, Côte d’Ivoire. This initiative represents a significant step forward in enhancing animal health surveillance and management across the ECOWAS region. Read More »

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. of Liberia has made public his assets declaration, reaffirming his commitment to transparency and opposition to corruption. This move aligns with his pledge to uphold the Constitution and laws of Liberia while promoting accountability, integrity, and good governance. Read More »

Ace Roots, a low-sugar drink combining African herbs, spices, and fruits with alcohol, participated in the recently concluded Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu Ode. The event celebrates the traditions and culture of the Ijebu people. Read More »

The ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) organized a three-day regional training workshop in Lomé, Togo, from June 19 to 21, 2024, focusing on the prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV) for health sector actors. The event was held in partnership with USAID and the Ford Foundation. Read More »

State Lodge, Hill Station, Freetown, Friday 21 June 2024 – His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio addressed the African Union Peace and Security Council Heads of State and Government-Level virtual meeting on the situation in the Republic of Sudan. He called for an immediate and unified response from his colleagues. Read More »

His Excellency, Governor Nigel Phillips CBE, will depart St Helena on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Stephen Thwaites, Development Attaché, will be sworn in as Acting Governor until Tasha Harris' return to St Helena on June 29. Read More »

On Friday, June 7, 2024, a specialized communication training was held for the National Implementing Partners (NIPs) of the Fund for Regional Stabilization and Development (FRSD) in Bissau. The training program provided guidance to the National Implementing Partners on methodologies and mediums to adopt in introducing the FRSD to different stakeholder groups, as well as messaging and visibility guidelines to ensure consistent understanding among all stakeholders. The training also aimed to ensure that National Implementing Partners present the FRSD not only as a sustainable... Read More »

President Boakai Meets UL Board of Trustees; Plans Meeting with University Faculty and Staff This Friday Read More »

An expert group meeting for the establishment of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council in West Africa (ECOSOCC-WA) was held between June 12 and 13, 2024, in Cotonou, Republic of Benin. Participants at the two-day meeting reviewed and strengthened the draft foundational framework document that resulted from two prior consultative meetings. The meeting also examined a tentative three-year work program and action plan for ECOSOCC-WA while considering an indicative three-year budget aimed at providing a strong foundation for civil society contributions to peacebuilding and... Read More »