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 »

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 »

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 »

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 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 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 »

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 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 »

24April 2024. Lomé, Togo - Adding to the efforts already undertaken at both national and regional level, the ECOWAS Regional Veterinary Committee continues to reflect, under the facilitation of the Regional Animal Health Center (RAHC), on the best approaches to accelerate the control and eradication of this scourge in the region by 2030.The 4th meeting of the ECOWAS Veterinary Committee held in Lomé (Togo), from 18 to 19 April 2024, provided an opportunity for the veterinary services of ECOWAS Member States, including Mauritania and Chad, to discuss the progress made,... Read More »

A hearing on the bail application of Binance Holdings Ltd. and Tigran Gambaryan, the head of Binance’s Financial Crime Compliance department, was adjourned by a judge in Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja on April 23. The hearing is set to resume on May 17 when a decision regarding the bail is anticipated. Read More »

The ECOWAS Commission's department for Political Affairs, Peacekeeping, and Security recently hosted a delegation from the African Union, UN Human Rights, and the EU delegation to the AU for strategic talks aimed at operationalizing the Africa Peace Support Missions. The focus of the meeting was on integrating and implementing the African Union Accountability and Compliance Framework (AUCF) into peacekeeping missions across the region to ensure seamless operations without human rights violations.Dr. Abdul-Fatau Musa, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, expressed... Read More »

The St Helena Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) will be hosting the annual British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) Conference this year. Delegates from 10 parliaments and legislatures across the region will gather on St Helena to join the St Helena Branch for the 53rd BIMR conference. The theme of the conference is ‘Addressing Challenges to Sustainable Development in Times of Global Uncertainty’."It is a great honour for our island to be hosting the CPA BIMR conference for the first time ever! It’s a valuable opportunity to engage in... Read More »

President Boakai Nominates Additional Officials To GovernmentApr 25 2024The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has nominated additional members of government affecting the Local Government of Margibi County and the Office of the Ombudsman. The nominations, where applicable, are subject to consent by the Liberian Senate.The nominees are: B. Lewis Kaine-, County Development Officer, Kakata City, Margibi County; Togea Samu Zarwea, County Administrative Officer Kakata City, Margibi County; Samuel N. Y Ketter, Commissioner, Cinta... Read More »

President Barrow assured them of his Government's readiness to expand the scope of mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries, particularly in response to their shared aspiration for global prosperity, peace, and stability.President Barrow stated the critical roles of the diplomats in accomplishing these goals. He also called for collaboration to realize the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (RF NDP) - YIRIWA goals.In total, twenty-eight diplomats are as follows:1. H.E. Mr Fahri Turker Oba, Republic of Turkiye2. H.E.Mrs. Florbela Alhindo Paraiba,... Read More »

Ambassador El Gayly Mohamed Abdelhamid and Mr. Rufus N. Darkortey, Executive Director for Sudan at the African Development Bank, recently engaged in discussions at the Bank's headquarters in Abidjan. The meeting, held on April 4, 2024, focused on addressing Sudan's ongoing civil conflict and promoting sustainable development in the country.During the meeting, Ambassador Abdelhamid stressed the importance of achieving a ceasefire to bring back peace and stability to Sudan. He expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between the Sudanese government and the... Read More »

Ambassador Jainaba Jagne, Permanent Representative of The Gambia to the African Union and Chairperson of the African Union Peace and Security Council, highlighted the challenges facing Africa, stating, "The African continent is currently facing the scourges of terrorism and violent extremism, as well as the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government."During a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, between the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the Mediation and Security Council of ECOWAS, Ambassador Jainaba Jagne emphasized the impact of these issues on... Read More »

President Boakai Suspends The Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA)The President of the Republic, H. E Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has taken decisive action by suspending the Chairperson and Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) amidst allegations of financial misconduct and other malpractices.In a statement released from the Executive Mansion in Monrovia, President Boakai suspended Madam Edwina C. Zackpah, Mr. Israel Akinsanya, Mr. Zotawon D. Titus, Mr. James Gbarwea, and Mr. Osborne K. Diggs pending a... Read More »

ECREEE, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, unveiled a new website on April 22, 2024. The website is designed to provide easy access to information on sustainable energy initiatives in the ECOWAS region and promote awareness of ECREEE's efforts in promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in West Africa.The website features a user-friendly interface, intuitive navigation, mobile-friendly design, and updated content. It aims to provide users with easy access to information about ECREEE, its... Read More »

In a significant move aimed at enhancing food security in Kenya, the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism has initiated a project set to benefit thousands of smallholder farmers in the country. The project, which involves a credit guarantee of $2 million, is expected to boost harvests and incomes for farmers in need of fertilizers.Marie Claire Kalihangabo, Coordinator of the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism, highlighted the importance of the credit risk guarantee, stating, “The credit risk guarantee also provides finance directly to smallholder farmers at the last... Read More »

The President of the African Development Bank Group Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has appointed career diplomat Ambassador Jalel Trabelsi as his Special Envoy for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Gulf Region. Ambassador Trabelsi brings to the role over 30 years of experience as a highly accomplished and distinguished diplomat.Ambassador Trabelsi, in response to his appointment, expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am extremely honoured to be appointed by Dr. Adesina to this role. As an African, I am motivated to continue to serve our continent and to contribute to the... Read More »