Latest news with #ECOWAS
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Capacity building on medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) process for Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) focal points
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is hosting the second phase of its capacity-building on Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) process, taking place in Lagos, Nigeria from July 21st to 25th, 2025. This training is co-organized by the Human Resources Directorate in consultation with the Directorate of Budget and Treasury (DBT) and the Directorate of Strategic Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (SPME). This training will equip Focal Persons with the requisite tools and competencies to actively participate in the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) process, as well as the subsequent Management Arbitration meetings. In his opening remarks, Mr. Molokwu Azikiwe, Director of Budget and Treasury at ECOWAS, highlighted the significance of this framework in facilitating dialogue and finding solutions to enhance the MTEF process, with the ultimate goal of utilizing public resources to drive meaningful improvements in citizens lives. He also added that, this workshop offers a valuable opportunity for collaborative learning, problem-solving, and exchange of experiences. On behalf of the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, the Director of Strategic Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (SPME) at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Musa Gbogboto, stressed that the MTEF is a component that each Directorate needs to understand. ' This workshop will permit to align your activities with the programs and projects that exist within the community… and to understand how the vision 2050 is linked to the community strategic framework, and how that community strategic framework is linked to our programs and projects.' He added. This activity, organized in partnership with GIZ, marks the conclusion of Phase 2, which will wrap up on Friday, July 25th, and sets the stage for Phase 3, scheduled to take place next week, where another group of agents will receive training on the same theme. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
2 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Mahama attends Liberia's 178th independence anniversary
President John Dramani Mahama, on Saturday, joined President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the people of Liberia to celebrate their 178th Independence Day celebration in Monrovia. The event held at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia, Montserrado County, was attended by heads of states from the subregion including the Presidents of Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Guinea Bissau. There were also representatives of the governments of Cote D'Ivoire, Nigeria, and Gambia. Liberia used the occasion to recognise ECOWAS member states that contributed troops to the multinational peacekeeping force, ECOMOG, which played a key role in ending the civil war as well as securing humanitarian corridors during the Liberian war. President Mahama received Ghana's honour from the Liberian President on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces and the people of Ghana for the contribution of its gallant soldiers. President Boakai in a spirit of national reconciliation said Liberia must heal itself, unite for a common purpose and inspire all for a faster development of the country. He called on all his citizens to leverage on technology to transform Liberia. The celebration as on the theme 'One people, one destiny, healing the past and building the future the ceremony reflected on the past, need for stock taking, reconciliation, a united national identity to rebuild a peaceful Liberia, endowed with rich natural resources'. The President was accompanied by the Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Lt. General William Agyapong and Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Stanislav Xoese Dogbe. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's President Bio Honoured at Liberia Independence Celebrations, as he Delivers Inspiring Keynote on Shared History and Regional Unity
His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has been honoured with a plaque of recognition by the Government of Liberia in appreciation of Sierra Leone's critical contribution to the peacekeeping efforts that helped restore stability during Liberia's civil conflict. The presentation took place during the celebration of Liberia's 178th Independence Anniversary at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia. The commemorative plaque acknowledged the sacrifices of Sierra Leonean men and women, both in and out of uniform, who served through the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) during Liberia's most difficult years. In a powerful keynote address themed 'One People, One Destiny: Healing the Past, Building the Future,' President Bio reflected on his own role as a young officer in the Sierra Leone Armed Forces deployed to Liberia with ECOMOG. 'I once stood on this sacred soil not as a visitor, but as a peacemaker,' he said. 'I remember walking the streets of White Plains, Gardnersville, and Monrovia Freeport during a time of great hardship. Even then, I could sense the deep endurance of the Liberian people.' President Bio described the recognition as a deeply personal and humbling moment. 'To be honoured on this day is not just a diplomatic courtesy, it is a homecoming. We receive this honour with pride and renewed commitment to regional unity, democratic stability, and shared peace.' Also addressing the gathering, Liberia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, expressed profound gratitude to all ECOMOG troop-contributing countries, singling out President Bio for his personal role during the conflict. 'You stood with us in our most difficult time,' she said. 'The true legacy of ECOMOG is not only found on the battlefield or in treaties signed, but in the peace we enjoy today.' The celebration brought together Heads of State and representatives from across the region, including President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal. President Bio emphasized the deep cultural and historical ties between Sierra Leone and Liberia, calling the two nations 'twin souls' bound by shared rivers, languages, and struggles. 'When Liberia trembled under the weight of war, Sierra Leone felt the tremors too. And when we cried out in our own agony, you mourned with us. This is not coincidence. This is kinship,' he declared. In his capacity as ECOWAS Chair, President Bio also used the moment to outline key regional priorities, including revitalizing regional security cooperation, strengthening democracy, unlocking economic integration, and building institutional credibility. 'Let us align our goals in trade, education, and security and let the Mano River Union become a living promise of solidarity. Let our borders bind, not divide.' He called on West African nations to recommit to regional cooperation not only in times of crisis but as a daily practice of development and peacebuilding. 'Our youth are crossing borders in search of opportunity. Let us build systems that allow them to do so safely, legally, and with dignity,' he urged. President Bio concluded his keynote with a heartfelt tribute to the people of Liberia. 'Thank you for reminding the world that peace is not only possible. it is powerful. May God bless the Republic of Liberia, may God bless the Republic of Sierra Leone, and may God bless the deep, enduring friendship that binds us.' President Bio arrived in Monrovia by road this morning and is scheduled to return to Sierra Leone later today via the same route. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
Nigeria strengthens military ties with breakaway Sahel states amid insecurity
Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has confirmed that the country remains firmly aligned with the military forces of Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Niger Republic in a joint effort to confront shared security threats across West Africa. Nigeria aligns collaboratively with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to address regional security concerns. Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa emphasized the importance of defense cooperation across porous borders. Nigeria maintains its commitment to regional cooperation amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics. Speaking at the University of Ibadan during a lecture organised by the TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Security Management, Musa affirmed that the military alliance between Nigeria and the Sahel states remains active despite political tensions and recent withdrawals from regional blocs. He highlighted that the increasing fragility of state security, compounded by porous borders, has made cross-border cooperation not only necessary but urgent. According to The Guardian Nigeria, Musa noted that Nigeria cannot afford to be isolated in the fight against transnational threats. He warned that instability in neighbouring countries, if left unaddressed, could spill into Nigeria's territory. 'If we don't help them to stand strong, the effect will come on us,' he said. To tackle one of the most pressing issues of border insecurity Musa renewed his call for the fencing of key sections of Nigeria's borders. He described the initiative as a strategic and intentional move that Nigeria must adopt, referencing Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan as examples of nations that have implemented effective border fortifications to safeguard national security. While political developments may have altered regional alliances, Musa asserted that military cooperation continues undeterred. He stated, 'Politically, the three countries of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso may have exited, but militarily we still work together. ' He noted that crises such as climate-driven migration, terrorism, and economic disparity have created fertile ground for instability, particularly in already fragile states like Nigeria. Nigeria embraces 'big brother' role Amid the unravelling of traditional regional alliances in West Africa, Nigeria is reinforcing its role as a stabilising force by deepening diplomatic and military engagement with the breakaway Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Despite the trio's formal exit from ECOWAS in early 2025 and their increasing pivot away from Western influence, Nigeria has resisted isolating its northern neighbours. Instead, it has adopted a pragmatic approach—one that prioritises security collaboration over political estrangement. The AES bloc—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—emerged after the trio's joint withdrawal from ECOWAS in early 2025, marking a major shift in regional alliances. While the bloc has strengthened ties and rejected Western influence, Nigeria has opted to stay engaged, aiming to preserve its leadership role. In an earlier report by Business Insider Africa, Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, reaffirmed Abuja's commitment to regional cooperation, stressing that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger remain crucial to West Africa's economic future despite their exit from ECOWAS. Analysts argue that Nigeria's deep ties and shared borders make disengagement untenable. With jihadist insurgencies, arms trafficking, and humanitarian crises spilling across borders, Abuja appears determined to sustain operational links with the AES states—even outside traditional multilateral frameworks. Whether this deepening engagement leads to lasting realignment or remains a temporary response to crisis is still uncertain. For now, Nigeria is positioning itself as both mediator and partner in a region increasingly defined by fragmentation and uncertainty.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
West African advisers to boost agribusiness e-commerce
Small agribusinesses in Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire are eager to tap into regional markets, but limited digital skills and poor access to online platforms hold them back. Without targeted support, these businesses struggle to embrace e-commerce and expand beyond their local base. To close this gap, the International Trade Centre trained national advisors and support institutions to help agribusinesses go digital and sell across borders. Many small agribusinesses in West Africa face barriers to reaching broader markets due to poor digital skills, low online visibility, and little access to e-commerce. These challenges hold back their potential to scale and engage in regional trade. To help close this gap, the International Trade Centre (ITC), under its ECOWAS Agricultural Trade (EAT) programme, organized a regional training of trainers in April in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The five-day workshop brought together six newly appointed e-commerce advisors (three from each country) and eight representatives from business support organizations in Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire. They received the tools and knowledge to support 30 agribusinesses—15 in each country—to trade online across the region. The participating advisors were selected for their potential to act as national champions for e-commerce capacity building. They were joined by eight representatives from four partner business support organizations: the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d'Ivoire (CCI-CI) and the National Chamber of Agriculture of Côte d'Ivoire (CNA-CI). This diverse mix fostered strong cross-border peer learning and established the foundation for sustained collaboration between national institutions. 'In my view, agro-processors will need this hands-on training to increase their visibility," said Ibrahima Bamba, Agricultural Advisor at the National Chamber of Agriculture of Côte d'Ivoire. Anuoluwapo Odubanjo, e-commerce Advisor for Nigeria added: 'Thanks to this training, I'm ready to support agribusinesses in developing tailored e-commerce strategies—from choosing the right platforms to managing online sales—so they can scale up their operations." The training covered digital marketing, online payment systems, shipping logistics, and customer service. Using interactive tools such as real-life case studies and peer learning, the sessions fostered collaboration and built confidence among participants. The impact is evident: 11 participants reported a significant improvement in their skills, and many left with action plans to support small businesses in their communities. From training rural entrepreneurs to helping businesses list on e-commerce platforms, the new advisors are ready to make a tangible impact. Since its launch in 2018, the programme has worked to bridge digital gaps and promote trade-ready agribusinesses in West Africa. By investing in local expertise, ITC's EAT programme is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and digitally connected agricultural economy in West Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
