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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 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 »

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 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 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 »

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 »

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 »

"The Utilities Regulatory Authority (URA) of St Helena has announced a consultation period for new tariff proposals from Connect St Helena. The URA is seeking input from the public on these proposals, as highlighted by the statement, "The URA wishes to receive responses from as many people as possible on the tariff proposals and the consultation is open to all."According to the information provided, interested parties can access the consultation document through various channels. The document can be obtained by contacting Judicial Services by phone at 22340 or reaching... Read More »

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently awarded prizes to young artists at the closing ceremony of the 13th Edition of the Marché des Arts du Spectacle d’Abidjan (MASA) 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire. The winners of the ECOWAS Prizes were recognized for their talent and creativity, with the aim of promoting cultural development in the region.H.E. Fanta Cisse, the Resident Representative of ECOWAS to Côte d’Ivoire, highlighted the organization's commitment to supporting cultural industries and fostering the professionalization of artists. She emphasized the... Read More »

In a recent development at First Bank of Nigeria Limited, the Board of Directors has made significant changes in the leadership structure of the 130-year-old institution. Following the resignation of Dr. Adesola Adeduntan as the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, the Board has swiftly appointed Olusegun Alebiosu as the acting CEO, effective immediately.Alebiosu, who previously served as the Executive Director / Chief Risk Officer, played a key role in the transformation of FirstBank over the past eight years. With over three decades of banking experience,... Read More »

On April 24, 2024, African Hidden Champions (AHC) will gather prominent African business founders in Johannesburg for an exclusive Soirée, celebrating their entrepreneurial spirit and global endeavors. The event will include a private concert by acclaimed South African artist, Ami Faku.AHC, a partnership between Africa Foresight Group, DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft, and the African Development Bank, aims to support African firms in expanding globally through various means of assistance. The soirée, themed "Proudly Local, Boldly Global," is also... Read More »

Director of Economic Development, Damian Burns, represented St Helena at the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) in Cape Town last week as part of the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa. At the forum, Damian unveiled the St Helena Investment Prospectus 2024, highlighting the investment and commercial opportunities available in the region.Speaking about the launch of the prospectus, Damian Burns stated, “Our island is an emerging destination with significant tourism potential and untapped investment opportunities. We are seeking investors who are looking for responsible,... Read More »

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., of Liberia recently hosted a significant assembly of members of the House of Representatives aligned with the Rescue Mission of the Ruling Unity Party. The assembly took place during a one-day Executive-Legislative Agenda Setting Retreat in Tubmanburg, Bomi County on Saturday, April 20, 2024.During the session at the Bomi City Hall, President Boakai emphasized the importance of the Agriculture Road Rule of Law Education Sanitation & Tourism (ARREST) Agenda, stating, "The ARREST Agenda is not a hidden agenda but one that is open for all... Read More »

President Adama Barrow, in his capacity as the Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, delivered a speech at the 16th Convocation Ceremony of the university. Addressing the audience, which included government officials, diplomats, religious leaders, scholars, and guests, President Barrow expressed his pride and honor in presiding over the event.He began by congratulating the graduands and emphasizing the significance of the ceremony, stating, "We are here to joyfully acknowledge and reward the dedication, perseverance, and hard work leading to this remarkable moment."... Read More »

The ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Professor Fatou SOW SARR, recently addressed the press at the Commission's Headquarters in Abuja, focusing on the organization's efforts in the humanitarian field and youth development. Professor SARR emphasized the importance of ECOWAS policies in these areas, stating that "each of the components works for the development of the Community through regional policies that take into account sectors such as gender, education, youth and humanitarian aid."Regarding humanitarian issues, the ECOWAS Commission has... Read More »

The leaders of 10 multilateral development banks have come together to announce joint steps aimed at working more effectively as a system to increase the impact and scale of their work in addressing urgent development challenges. In a Viewpoint Note published at the conclusion of a retreat hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the leaders outlined key deliverables for joint and coordinated action in 2024 and beyond.The actions outlined in the Viewpoint Note represent a significant milestone in the collaboration amongst MDBs, with a focus on accelerating... Read More »