Latest news with #ECOWASCommission
Zawya
6 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the government of Guinea-Bissau advance Phase II of assistive device initiative for children with disabilities
The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through its Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, has officially launched Phase II of the ECOWAS Assistive Device Programme for Children with Disabilities in Guinea-Bissau. The initiative, developed in close collaboration with national authorities, is part of a broader regional programme aimed at promoting the rights and dignity of children with disabilities, in line with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the 4×4 Strategic Objectives. The high-level launch ceremony took place in Bissau under the auspices of the Minister of Women, Family and Social Solidarity of Guinea-Bissau, H.E. Maria Inácia Có Mendes Sanhá, who expressed her deep appreciation for the programme. Addressing the audience with conviction and emotion, the Minister stated: 'This programme is not just about devices. It is about dignity. It is about telling our children that they matter, that their rightful place in society is non-negotiable. I thank ECOWAS for this act of humanity and for reminding us that true integration begins with the most vulnerable.' She further stressed that inclusion must be a core principle of governance, not a peripheral consideration. The Minister urged for continued cooperation and broader visibility of inclusion efforts, recalling the daily challenges faced by families raising children with disabilities. Representing the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Alves D'Almada, Head of Social Affairs Division, reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to social justice and inclusive development: 'Beyond equipment, this mission empowers families, strengthens institutions, and promotes human dignity. We are here to build an inclusive future with the people of Guinea-Bissau.' Also delivering a goodwill message, Mr. João Pedro Cabral, President of the National Federation of Associations for the Defence and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasised the need to mainstream disability in public policies and highlighted the important role of community-based actors in achieving inclusive outcomes. 'It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child with a disability is seen, heard and included. This initiative represents hope for thousands of families.' The event brought together senior representatives from sectoral ministries, civil society organisations as well as local experts. It also served as a platform for technical dialogue, field visits and institutional coordination, ensuring that the intervention is culturally grounded, technically sound and politically sustainable. Ahead of the official meeting, the ECOWAS delegation held a high-level consultation with H.E. Maria Inácia Có Mendes Sanhá, Minister of Women, Family and Social Solidarity, to ensure strategic alignment and national ownership of the initiative. The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau to ECOWAS, represented by Mr. Julião Mané, reaffirming the spirit of interinstitutional cooperation and multilateral diplomacy that anchors this regional endeavour. More than a technical operation, the ECOWAS Assistive Device Programme stands as a political and ethical affirmation of shared regional values. By placing childhood and inclusion at the centre of its action, ECOWAS reaffirms its role as a regional organisation committed to equity, dignity and social cohesion. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrates its 50th anniversary at a high-level event at the United Nations headquarters in New York
On the 25th of July 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrated its 50th anniversary at a high-level event organised at the United Nations headquarters in New York, under the theme: 'United for a better future: promoting regionalism and multilateralism for shared prosperity'. Held in the ECOSOC chamber, the meeting brought together senior United Nations officials, ECOWAS leaders, diplomatic representatives and partners to commemorate five decades of regional integration, peace-building and development, while looking ahead to the future of West Africa in a changing global context. The event was hosted by the ECOWAS Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations, in close collaboration with the ECOWAS Group of Ambassadors to the UN. In her welcome address, Ambassador Kinza Jawara-Njai, ECOWAS Permanent Observer to the United Nations, underlined the organisation's central role in promoting regional cohesion, sustainable development and peace. She stressed the symbolic significance of this celebration within the United Nations, reaffirming ECOWAS's commitment to multilateralism and international partnerships. H.E. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, spoke of the Community's evolution from an economic bloc to a multidimensional institution working for peace, democratic governance and human development. She recalled the relevance of the ECOWAS Vision 2050 and reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to strengthening its cooperation with all its partners, for a peaceful, people-centred and prosperous West Africa. The keynote speech was delivered by H.E. Dr Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, who gave an in-depth analysis of regional challenges, while presenting the strategic responses being implemented to combat terrorism and deepen regional integration. He referred in particular to the operationalisation of the Regional Rapid Reaction Force against Terrorism, as well as the citizens' introspection currently underway, which will culminate in a Pact for the Future of Regional Integration. One of the highlights of the event was a message from H.E. General Dr Yakubu Gowon (retired), former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the last living founding father of ECOWAS. In a recorded video, General Gowon recalled the visionary spirit and historical context that led to the creation of the organisation in 1975. He emphasised the values of solidarity, cooperation and shared development: 'The dream of ECOWAS was born of a deep conviction: only regional unity will enable our peoples to overcome the burden of colonial fragmentation and build a future of peace, prosperity and pride. I am proud that after five decades, ECOWAS remains a symbol of hope, despite the many trials it has endured'. He called on current leaders and citizens to preserve and strengthen the foundations of integration, while encouraging the youth of West Africa and the Diaspora to carry on the torch. High-level speeches were also given by: Ms Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, UN Under-Secretary-General for Africa, who reaffirmed the UN's continued support for peace, security and democracy in West Africa; E. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former President of the ECOWAS Commission and High Representative of the United Nations, who provided a historical perspective and visionary reflections on the path taken by regional integration; E. Santos Leonardo Simão, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNOWAS, who highlighted the importance of strategic regional partnerships; Ms Aïssata De, Deputy Regional Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, who reiterated the UNDP's commitment to supporting the development of human and institutional capital in ECOWAS; E. Fatima Kyari Mohammed, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, who welcomed the strategic alignment between ECOWAS and the African Union on governance, peace and economic transformation. The event was also well attended by civil society, academics and diplomatic representatives, with speeches by Dr Rita 'Kiki' Edozie, Professor of African Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Boston, and members of the ECOWAS Group of Ambassadors. This Golden Jubilee commemoration was much more than a celebration of past achievements: it marked a high point of collective renewal and strategic orientation. The reflections arising from the New York meeting will feed into the regional consultations underway across West Africa, leading up to an Extraordinary Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government later this year. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Liberia honors the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) at 178th independence celebrations
Liberia's 178th Independence Day celebration on the 26th of June 2025 served as a powerful tribute to regional unity and peacebuilding, with a spotlight on the enduring role of ECOWAS and ECOMOG in Liberia's journey through civil conflict and reconciliation. The ceremony welcomed high-level dignitaries from across West Africa, including the Presidents of Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Senegal, and Sierra Leone, along with senior officials from Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire, symbolizing Liberia's strong ties within the sub-region. In recognition of ECOWAS at 50, Liberia honored contributing member states of ECOMOG – Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone with awards presented by H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of Liberia. Special honors were also given to past Executive Secretaries of ECOWAS who played pivotal roles during Liberia's crisis, including H.E. Lansana Kouyate, H.E. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu, and H.E. Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas. President Maada Bio, serving as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, led the presentation of awards to H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY and H.E. Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, and other key figures recognized for their commitment to regional peace and stability. H.E. Josephine Nkrumah, Resident Representative of ECOWAS in Liberia received the award on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission. Liberia's Foreign Minister highlighted the vital impact of ECOMOG peacekeepers, whose sacrifices laid the foundation for lasting peace prior to the deployment of UNMIL. President Boakai also announced plans to commission a National Memorial dedicated to victims of Liberia's civil wars and fallen ECOWAS peacekeepers, reinforcing the government's commitment to remembrance, reconciliation, and regional solidarity. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
29-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Guinea-Bissau deepens national commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda through Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)-led in-country Continental Results Framework (CRF) capacity building workshop
From the 22nd to 24th of July, 2025, the ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs (DAHS), in close collaboration with other relevant directorates and agencies, the Ministry of Women, Family and Social Solidarity of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, as well as the ECOWAS Women, Peace and Security Regional Steering Group (WPS-RSG), successfully organized a national capacity-building workshop in Bissau. The three-day workshop, aimed at stakeholders and focal points of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, focused on the application of the African Union's Continental Results Framework (CRC-UA), simplified and adapted to the West African context by the ECOWAS Commission for monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the WPS Agenda. This initiative is part of ECOWAS's ongoing efforts to strengthen national accountability mechanisms and data systems, in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and related resolutions. It is implemented with the technical and financial support of the ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance Project (EPSG), co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and carried out with the support of GIZ. In her opening speech, Her Excellency Maria Inácia Có Mendes Sanhá, Minister of Women, Family and Social Solidarity, underlined Guinea-Bissau's ongoing commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment in peace-building processes. She reaffirmed the government's support for the WPS Agenda, citing several national policies and legal frameworks, including the National Policy for Gender Equality and Equity (PNIEG), the Parity Law, as well as laws on gender-based violence and human trafficking. Mrs. Cristina da Silva Pedreira, Director General of Regional Integration and Head of the ECOWAS National Unit at the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration, welcomed the participants, stressing that the workshop offered a platform for adapting continental frameworks to the local level and strengthening the role of women in sustainable development and peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau. She reaffirmed her ministry's commitment to supporting ECOWAS processes in national institutions. Representing the ECOWAS Resident Representative, Her Excellency Ambassador Ngozi Ukaeje, Dr. Aishatu Morido Yanet praised the collaborative spirit that had animated the workshop and encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training to fill the data and coordination gaps, as highlighted in the first ECOWAS regional WPS report (2024). She stressed that the CRC is not just a technical tool, but an essential accountability mechanism ensuring the visibility and impact of women's contributions to peacebuilding. On behalf of the ECOWAS Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs, Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, Mr. Olatunde Olayemi, Program Manager for the Social Dimensions of Human Trafficking, stressed the importance of the CRC in institutionalizing monitoring and reporting on the WPS. He pointed out that the Guinea-Bissau workshop is the ninth of its kind organized by ECOWAS, following similar initiatives in Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Nigeria, Liberia, Gambia, Togo, Senegal and Ghana. 'Women and girls must be visible actors in peace and governance,' he said, adding that the CRC's simplified tool is a crucial step in ensuring evidence-based implementation and monitoring of national WPS commitments. Speaking on behalf of the German government, Mr. Carsten Wille, Head of the Liaison Office of the German Embassy in Dakar and Guinea-Bissau, reaffirmed Germany's strong commitment to feminist development cooperation and inclusive peacebuilding. 'We are proud to support national actors through the EPSG project. Guinea-Bissau's adherence to this CRC training demonstrates its willingness to strengthen its institutional response to the gender dimensions of peace and security,' he asserted. The workshop, led by Ms Tamwakat Elizabeth Golit, Integrated Expert on Women, Peace and Security for the EPSG Project at the ECOWAS Commission, and Ms Edineusa Lopes José da Cruz Figueiredo, President of the Institute for Women and Children, brought together over 35 participants from ministries, security institutions, civil society organizations, academia and the media. Through participatory exercises, group work and technical presentations, the workshop strengthened participants' ability to use the CRC tool and its complementary questionnaire, enabling better monitoring of WPS indicators in line with national and regional frameworks. At the close of the workshop, five gender assessment reports were officially handed over to the Office of the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea-Bissau and to the ECOWAS National Office. During the presentation of the reports, Ms. Tamwakat Elizabeth Golit, the EPSG Project's Integrated Gender Expert at the ECOWAS Commission, provided a summary of the main findings and practical recommendations for strengthening national coordination and policy responses. She stressed the importance of transparency and collective ownership, pointing out that the reports are now publicly available via the ECOWAS website, to serve as a resource for advocacy, research and evidence-based decision-making. Participants hailed the workshop as a timely initiative and called for further training, institutionalization of the CRC in national monitoring systems, and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders. They also expressed their willingness to contribute to the next national WPS reporting cycle using the simplified CRC tool. The workshop concluded with a strong call to action: to take the Women, Peace and Security Agenda beyond political declarations, towards concrete and measurable impacts for women and girls in Guinea-Bissau and West Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
25-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Launches Regional E-Commerce Committee to Accelerate Digital Trade Integration
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially launched the Regional E-Commerce Committee, marking another milestone in the implementation of the ECOWAS Regional E-Commerce Strategy (2023–2027) on Wednesday July 16th, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. The launch was immediately followed by the Committee's first meeting, which brought together representatives from Member States and Community institutions. In his opening remarks during the launch ceremony, Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, the Acting Director of Private Sector, ECOWAS Commission highlighted the private sector as both a key driver and beneficiary of digital transformation. He stressed the significance of e-commerce in unlocking opportunities under African Continental Free Trade Agreement and called for robust implementation of digital reforms. He described the establishment of the Regional E-Commerce Committee as pivotal to fostering private-sector-led digital economies. Madam Sally Koroma, the representative of the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chair of the Meeting emphasized the potential of e-commerce to boost inclusive growth. She highlighted the importance of harmonized regulations, secure infrastructure, digital literacy, and tailored financing to unlock the full benefits of digital trade. She commended the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy as critical to addressing these barriers and called for collective action among Member States, development partners, and the private sector to move from ambition to implementation, and build an inclusive, gender-responsive digital economy. In his goodwill message, Mr. Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) congratulated ECOWAS on its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of regional cooperation. He celebrated the adoption of the ECOWAS Regional E-Commerce Strategy and highlighted the role of digitalisation in realizing ECOWAS Vision 2050. He reaffirmed UNCTAD's commitment to support digital reform, encourage inclusive digital ecosystems, and advance women's economic empowerment within the region. He closed with a call to action to make e-commerce a driver of prosperity, innovation, and regional unity. In the keynote address, on behalf of Madame Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mr. Kolawole SOFOLA, Director of Trade of the ECOWAS Commission, underscored the significance of the launch of the Regional E-Commerce Committee during the 50th Anniversary celebrations of ECOWAS, noting the progress that had been made in advancing regional integration and the opportunities that lay ahead through digitalisation. He emphasized that the Committee would serve as a platform for implementing strategic goals, aligning policies, and accelerating digital trade across borders. Mr. Sofola called for continued collaboration across all stakeholders to realise the Strategy's vision of an inclusive and sustainable digital future for West Africa. Finally, he declared the ECOWAS Regional E-Commerce Committee launched. The newly established Committee is a central feature of the governance framework outlined in the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy, which was adopted by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in July 2023. It is designed to steer the implementation of digital trade reforms, foster inter-institutional coordination, and promote inclusive participation across the region, particularly of women, youth, and MSMEs. The launch and first meeting were attended by representatives of the Ministries responsible for Trade from ECOWAS Member States and the internal working group on e-commerce, consisting of key directorates and agencies of the ECOWAS Commission. Prior to the launch, the internal working group on e-commerce received a training on the e-Trade Reform Tracker, a tool for monitoring implementation of the E-Commerce Strategy. Both activities were supported by the UNCTAD and the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP) funded by World Bank. The meeting considered the overview of the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy, continental and regional digital initiatives as well as key initiatives from Member States in advancing e-commerce. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the terms of reference for the Committee and a call for continued collaboration among ECOWAS Member States to promote implementation of the E-Commerce Strategy. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
