The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently held a crucial meeting in Banjul, The Gambia, where the Subcommittee of the Judicial Council convened to review its rules of procedure. The meeting, which took place from April 29th to May 1st, 2024, brought together esteemed Chief Justices and legal dignitaries from various ECOWAS Member States.During the opening of the meeting, Justice Hassan B. Jallow, the Hon. Chief Justice of The Gambia and Chairman of the Sub-Committee, emphasized the importance of revising the Council’s Rules of Procedure. He also... Read More »

In April 2023, it was announced that access to certain areas of the Peaks National Park (PNP) would be prohibited due to concerns about plant pathogens affecting endemic trees within the park. The prohibition, initially set until the end of December 2023, was extended until March 2024 for review based on relevant information and evidence.The Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Portfolio (ENRP) has been actively working to address the issue since the discovery of the pathogens over a year ago. Collaborating with organizations such as the St Helena Research... Read More »

The ECOWAS Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai, recently delivered a keynote address at the University of Massachussetts-Boston’s 6th Africa Day and 2024 Academic Conference. The theme of the event was "Democratic Backsliding in West Africa: Contradictions, Challenges, and Difference."In her speech, Ambassador Jawara-Njai focused on the topic of "Why West African Democracy is on the Right Path despite Challenges." She highlighted the efforts of ECOWAS in promoting democracy, good governance, and development in West Africa, emphasizing... Read More »

The Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, H. E. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, recently led a delegation to Washington, D.C. with the aim of enhancing Early Warning and Early Response capabilities in West Africa through strategic partnerships.During the visit, the main objective was to engage with key partners to bolster collaboration in capacity building for Early Warning and Early Response, with a focus on enhancing human security. One significant outcome of the mission is the potential collaboration with the Georgetown Institute of Women, Peace, and Security (GIWPS) to... Read More »

The recent meeting of the ECOWAS Council of the Wise resulted in the issuance of the Abidjan Declaration on May 2, 2024.During the meeting, several key figures shared their perspectives:1. "The Abidjan Declaration reaffirms our commitment to promoting peace and security in the West African region," said Chairperson of the ECOWAS Council of the Wise, Dr. Aminata Toure.2. "We must continue to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to address the root causes of conflict," emphasized Secretary-General of ECOWAS, Mr. Ibrahim Sani.3. "The Abidjan Declaration lays out a roadmap... Read More »

The President of Liberia, H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., will be at the forefront as he leads the Official Liberian delegation to the US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas from May 6-9, 2024. This summit aims to foster discussions on enhancing trade and economic partnerships between Africa and the United States.The delegation's objective is clear as they aim to attract investments and partnerships that will significantly contribute to Liberia’s economic growth. Highlighting the importance of this participation, it is stated that Liberia’s involvement in... Read More »

The Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio has announced the provision of non-compulsory nursery education for all children between the ages of three to four years on St. Helena. According to the Portfolio, "We will be in contact with parents/guardians of those children born on island and who are eligible to enter nursery education in the school year September 2024 – August 2025."For parents whose children were not born on St. Helena, the Portfolio has requested that they provide specific information to facilitate nursery placement. "It would be appreciated if parents... Read More »

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank Group, has called for a "bold and innovative approach" from Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to tackle the evolving challenges facing the world. Speaking at the Islamic Development Bank’s 50th-anniversary symposium, Adesina emphasized the need for collaboration and innovation in addressing global challenges.Adesina highlighted the African Development Bank's commitment to its transformative High 5 priorities, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. He stated,... Read More »

The Regional Fund for Agriculture and Food (RFAF) recently held its 2nd Supervisory Board meeting where important decisions were made regarding the operationalization and management of the fund. In a press release, the RFAF_SB 2024 announced, "Regional Fund for Agriculture and Food (RFAF): the 2nd Supervisory Board Validates and Adopts the Operationalisation and Management Instruments."The validation and adoption of these operationalization and management instruments signify a significant step forward for the RFAF in fulfilling its mandate to support agriculture and food... Read More »

President Barrow received a briefing on the Senior Officials and Ministerial Sessions, setting the pace for the Leaders’ Summit this weekend, 4-5 May 2024. The OIC Secretary General, Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, and his team updated President Adama Barrow on the Technical and Ministerial meetings at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo.Secretary-General Taha congratulated and commended President Barrow for the progress made since his last visit to The Gambia. He remarked, “Since my last visit, the level of development achieved deserved... Read More »

ECOWAS and Algeria have agreed to hold regular discussions on the political and security situation in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as the plight of irregular migrants. This commitment was announced by H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and H.E. Ahmed ATTAF, Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, following their meeting in Algiers on April 23-26, 2024.During the meeting, Dr Omar Alieu Touray expressed his satisfaction at the willingness and commitment of the Algerian authorities to contribute to resolving... Read More »

The African Development Bank and Invest in Africa have jointly launched the MicroGREEN project to provide livelihood opportunities for marginalized and vulnerable groups in Ghana and Senegal. Titled "Strengthening Women, Youth and People with Disabilities’ Micro Entrepreneurship for Green Jobs in Natural Resources (MicroGREEN)," the project aims to generate up to 500 green job opportunities while offering essential business development services.Eyerusalem Fasika, Ghana Country Manager for the Bank, emphasized the institution's commitment to addressing climate change and... Read More »

State House, Banjul, 3 May 2024: H.E. President Barrow presided over a conferment ceremony to honour two distinguished personalities. The Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, was bestowed an Insignia of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic Of The Gambia. At the same time, an insignia of the Commander of the Order of the Republic of The Gambia was conferred on the Outgoing World Bank Team Leader for The Gambia, Dr Samuel Lantei Mills."The honorary conferment recognises their profound achievements in their respective fields... Read More »

The ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) recently conducted an information and sensitization session in Côte d’Ivoire to disseminate Community Provisions on Competition and Consumer Protection. The delegation from ECOWAS/ERCA, led by Commissioner Massandje Toure-Litse, engaged with national stakeholders in Abidjan on April 29 and 30, 2024.During the session, Commissioner Massandje Toure-Litse and the ECOWAS experts briefed stakeholders on ERCA’s mandate, intervention scope, and ongoing activities. They also discussed collaboration frameworks with Member States,... Read More »

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 »

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 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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »