The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, welcomed twelve new ambassadors on September 30, 2024, at the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria. The ambassadors presented their credentials to Dr. Touray as they were accredited to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Read More »

The ECOWAS Commission has initiated a training program for personnel of the ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (SSMGB). The course, aimed at familiarizing new staff with the ECOWAS Staff Officers Handbook, is being conducted by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) at Azalai-Dunia Hotel in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. It includes 46 participants from both the SSMGB and Guinea-Bissau's Defence and Security Forces. Read More »

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia paid tribute to U.S. Senator Jack F. Reed in Providence, Rhode Island, on October 2, 2024. The event recognized Senator Reed's long-standing support for Liberians and his role in the passage of the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 2019 (H.R. 1169). This legislation has allowed many Liberians in the United States to gain permanent residency. Read More »

The 2024 Business Fair of the Federation of Business Women Entrepreneurs (FEBWE) concluded successfully in Victoria Island, Lagos. The event took place from September 25 to 27 and focused on empowering women entrepreneurs in West Africa. The fair ended with a gala dinner. Read More »

Applications for the 2025 Chevening scholarships are now open and will close on November 5, 2024. This program offers candidates a one-year fully funded Master’s degree study opportunity in the UK. Read More »

The Kédougou region in Senegal has advanced its efforts to enhance agricultural productivity through the commissioning of ten solar pumping systems. This initiative, executed by the NGO SEM Fund with support from ECREEE, is part of the ECOWAS Special Intervention Fund (ESIF). It aims to improve farmers' livelihoods in several communities, including Bandafassi, Damboucoye, and Ibel. Read More »

Ten members of the inaugural Council of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) were sworn in on October 1, 2024, in Banjul. The ceremony was led by Honorable Judge Gbéri-Bè Ouattara, Vice-President of the Community Court of Justice, with H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Commission, in attendance. Read More »

Experts from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gathered in Cotonou, Benin, from October 2 to 3, 2024. This meeting precedes the 19th Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers responsible for Telecommunications, ICT, and Digitalisation. The focus was on evaluating progress in telecommunications and ICT projects facilitated by the ECOWAS Commission and approving a digital sector development strategy for 2024-2029. Read More »

ECOWAS, a regional organization funded by member states and various development partners, has emphasized the need for accountability in fund management. To enhance transparency and ensure compliance with international best practices, ECOWAS is working towards managing development partners' funds directly. Read More »

The ten new members of the Board of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) participated in an information and presentation session on October 3, 2024, in Banjul, The Gambia. This session covered ERCA’s mandate and legal instruments and concluded with the election of their Chairperson. Read More »

President Joseph Boakai has returned to Liberia after a series of official visits to Canada and the United States. The trip included participation in the United Nations General Assembly and meetings aimed at boosting international investment and support for Liberia. Read More »

Congressman Rich McCormick has expressed surprise at the Nigerian government's treatment of Binance's Tigran Gambaryan, considering Nigeria's supposed "friendly" stance towards the United States. McCormick made these remarks during a podcast episode on October 1. Read More »

USAID, in partnership with the ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (CCDG), recently conducted a capacity-building workshop focusing on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda. The event was held from October 2 to October 4, 2024, aiming to enhance strategies for integrating gender considerations into peace and security efforts. Read More »

The 2023 West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU) Report, focusing on statistics and trends in illicit drug supply and use, was officially launched on September 11, 2024, in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The event was held in a hybrid format with both virtual and in-person participants. Read More »

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently held its 8th Heads of Immigration Meeting in The Gambia. The primary focus was on accelerating the implementation of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card (ENBIC) and discussing the repeal of the 90-day stay limit for Community Citizens within member states. Read More »

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially commenced the construction of a bridge over the Cavally River, marking a significant step in enhancing infrastructure between Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia. The site handover to the contractor and supervising consultant took place on October 3, 2024, at the Prollo border. This project is expected to last 24 months and aligns with ECOWAS's Vision 2050 goals to boost regional trade, transport connectivity, and economic cooperation across West Africa. Read More »

State House, Freetown, Monday 7 October 2024 – The Presidential Council for Delivering Feed Salone has briefed President Julius Maada Bio on the progress of the Feed Salone initiative. The Council highlighted achievements and emphasized the importance of climate-smart agricultural practices. Read More »

Andy Greenberg, author of "Tracers in the Dark," said that the Nigerian government held Binance employee Tigran Gambaryan "illegally" after inviting him to Nigeria for compliance meetings. Greenberg shared his statement during a podcast episode on October 1. Read More »

The Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria (ARCAN) conducted its 2024 lecture on October 8 at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. The event, themed “Consolidating Democracy and Integration in ECOWAS: the Journey So Far,” featured a lecture by H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission. Read More »

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio bid farewell to four newly appointed ambassadors and a high commissioner at the State House in Freetown on October 8, 2024. The diplomats, having received parliamentary approval, were presented by Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Read More »