On Thursday, July 11, 2024, the Department of Human Development and Social Affairs, through its Directorate of Humanitarian Affairs, organized a workshop in Lomé, Togo, to launch the activities of the ECOWAS support programme for providing functional equipment to disabled children in Togo. The aim of this activity is to assess, together with stakeholders, particularly the Ministry in charge of social inclusion, associations and federations of disabled people and partners, the urgent needs for functional equipment that ECOWAS could acquire and offer to disabled children to... Read More »

Hague, Netherlands – July 16, 2024: Access Bank PLC, sub-Saharan Africa's largest bank by customer base, has entered into a significant partnership with the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO). The agreement involves a syndicate Tier II Facility of USD295 million (approximately N442.5 billion), marking over two decades of collaboration between the institutions. Read More »

The Blockchain Industry Coordinating Committee of Nigeria (BICCoN) has expressed concerns over the Nigerian government's detention of Tigran Gambaryan, a former U.S. federal agent and current Binance employee. BICCoN issued a statement on June 24 warning that this action could undermine international support for Nigeria. Read More »

In a significant event, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., officially launched the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) at Monrovia City Hall. The launch represents a commitment to combat HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, which have posed challenges to Liberia's healthcare system. Read More »

On Friday, July 12, 2024, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone welcomed Hajj pilgrims and observed the first Juma prayers at State House in Freetown. Chief Imam Shiek Kutubu Konneh delivered a sermon urging pilgrims to act as agents of peace and ambassadors of nation-building by practicing the good deeds they learned in Mecca. He also encouraged support for the government's "Feed Salone" initiative to ensure food sufficiency in the country. Read More »

State House, Freetown, Friday 12 July 2024 – His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has received the annual report from the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) and assured them of reviewing it while calling for further reforms. Read More »

The St Helena Research Institute (SHRI), established in 2019, has announced its first global research conference, titled "St Helena: a unique environment, a rich tapestry," in collaboration with the University of Manchester. This online event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20, 2024, with a potential extension to Thursday, November 21, depending on interest. Read More »

The ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Mano River Union (MRU), convened the 7th Joint Technical Steering Committee Meeting of the Multinational: Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Liberia Road Development & Transport Facilitation Programme within the Mano River Union (MRU) in Monrovia, Liberia from July 9 to 10, 2024. Read More »

The increasing political instability and security challenges in the ECOWAS region have necessitated the deployment of ECOWAS Peace Support Operations (PSOs) mandated by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. In this context, ECOWAS is organizing in-mission training for staff officers deployed to the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) from July 8 to 12, 2024, in Banjul. Read More »

The Transport Directorate of the ECOWAS Commission recently conducted five in-country pre-validation technical workshops across Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. Held from June 18 to June 24, 2024, these workshops aim to enhance stakeholder engagement for the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway project. Read More »

On July 10, 2024, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio formally launched the popularisation and decentralisation of ownership of Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-2030 at a ceremony in Moyamba Town. He assured the government’s commitment to prioritising district needs in implementing the plan. Read More »

The Republic of Liberia Executive Mansion, Monrovia - Today marks a significant moment for the agricultural development pillar of the ARREST (Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, Tourism) Agenda as President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. unveiled the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP) 2024-2030. The launch event, held at the EJS Ministerial Complex, underscores the Government's commitment to revolutionize the agricultural sector and promote self-sufficiency in food production. Read More »

The ECOWAS Commission has concluded a three-day technical review of a draft interim report for the Trade and Transport Facilitation Study of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project. The project aims to establish a framework that will enable the corridor highway to operate under a single customs regime, eliminating border stops for travelers and traders. Additionally, the framework includes an automated third-party insurance scheme, the "ECOWAS Brown Card," for cross-border vehicles. Read More »

Trade stakeholders from both regional and national levels have gathered in Abuja, Nigeria, for a three-day meeting from July 9th to 11th, 2024, to review and amend the Draft ECOWAS Common Trade Policy (CTP). This initiative follows recommendations from Trade Experts' meetings and the Joint Meetings of the ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, last year. The technical working group will also draft the Strategic Action Plan for the Draft ECOWAS Common Trade Policy, ensuring both documents are ready for presentation to the ECOWAS Ministers of... Read More »

The Education, Skills and Employment (ESE) Portfolio is conducting a comprehensive review of St Helena’s primary education system. This initiative aims to identify the most effective and sustainable path forward, considering current challenges and future needs. Read More »

In a demonstration of solidarity, the Organization of Liberian Communities in Nigeria (OLICON) paid a courtesy visit to President Boakai during his attendance at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja. Read More »

The Republic of Liberia, Lagos, Nigeria – Africa’s renowned business tycoon and leader, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, recently paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., during the President’s recent visit to Nigeria to attend the ECOWAS Heads of State Summit. Read More »

The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held its 65th Ordinary Session in Abuja, Nigeria, on July 7, 2024. Read More »

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has appointed Ambassador Emmet Kennedy as Chief of Protocol of the Executive Mansion. Ambassador Kennedy comes highly recommended with many years of experience. Meanwhile, Ms. Winifred Mardia Deshield has been named Deputy Chief of Protocol of the Executive Mansion. These appointments take immediate effect. Read More »

Today, 8 July 2024, marks International Paramedics Day, a global observance recognizing the invaluable contributions of paramedics worldwide. This date coincides with the birthday of Dominique-Jean Larrey, known as the "father of modern ambulance services," symbolizing the profession’s rich history and ongoing dedication. Read More »