The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has granted $75,000 to Guinea to enhance its national human capital development strategy. The agreement was formalized on November 21 in Conakry by ECOWAS Vice-President Mrs. Damtien Tchintchibidja and Guinea’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Mr. Ismael Nabe. Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah was also present at the signing.
This grant is part of a broader commitment made by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government when they adopted the Integrated Regional Strategy for Human Capital Development in July 2022. The initiative encourages member states to align their national strategies with the regional plan for 2020-2030.
Mrs. Tchintchibidja emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration: “The development of human capital is a strategic priority for ECOWAS. It is the foundation on which economic growth, social resilience and stability are built. This grant reflects our commitment to support Guinea in implementing ambitious and inclusive programmes.”
Minister Nabe expressed gratitude for the support, stating: “This partnership with ECOWAS strengthens our determination to invest in our greatest asset: our people. This grant will accelerate our efforts to build a more prosperous and equitable Guinea.”
Guinea joins other countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, and Togo as recipients of this grant in 2024. So far, nine member states have benefited from ECOWAS grants aimed at developing their national human capital strategies.
Beyond financial assistance, ECOWAS offers technical support across several areas including advocacy, communication, resource mobilization, capacity building, monitoring, and evaluation.
The Regional Human Capital Development Strategy targets four key sectors: Health and Nutrition Education; Education; Skills and Labour Market Participation; Entrepreneurship; Financial Inclusion; and the Digital Economy.
