The ECOWAS Commission has organised a Regional Meeting of Experts from Member States on gender mainstreaming in Trade from September 24 to 26, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The objective of the three-day meeting is to promote inclusive and sustainable trade in ECOWAS by ensuring that Member Sates mainstream gender in their National Trade policies/initiatives in line with regional approaches and guidelines, as well as empower women in business. The meeting will also provide a platform for trade and gender focal points to share various national initiatives and challenges and solicit their input and validation of relevant community texts.

The opening ceremony, which was moderated by Mr. Kolawole SOFOLA, the Director of Trade of the ECOWAS Commission, featured remarks by the European Union, ECOWAS and Nigeria.

In his remarks, Mr. Isioma Frank OKAFOR, Representative of the European Union Delegation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS, stressed that the focus on mainstreaming gender in national trade policies and initiatives is not only timely but essential. This he said will ensure that women are empowered and have equal opportunities in business.

While welcoming delegates to the meeting, Mrs. Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture of the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted that women owned businesses often struggle to access export markets, and women workers are overrepresented in low-wage, low-skilled sectors and trade policies frequently overlook gender-specific needs and perspectives leading to the existing inequalities.

The Commissioner emphasised that “addressing these disparities is crucial for promoting inclusive and equitable trade practices, unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs and workers, and ensuring that international trade benefits all members of the society”

In her statement, Professor Fatou SOW SARR, the Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs of the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted that the

founding fathers of ECOWAS considered trade as a sure and rapid means of achieving regional integration.

“In addition to being a source of income, it plays an important role in sustainable development because of its contribution to national and regional growth. It also contributes to the empowerment of women by ensuring their access to resources and control over them” she added.

Dr. Simon OMO-EZOMO, Director for Special Duties, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in his opening remarks, stressed the importance of inclusive and sustainable trade in the ECOWAS Region. Adding that by ensuring that Gender is mainstreamed in our trade policies, we can create a more equitable and prosperous trading environment that benefits all members of our society, especially women.

The Meeting which is attended by Gender and Trade Experts from ECOWAS Member States, Gender and Trade Stakeholders from the Region, and Representatives from the ECOWAS Commission will Validate Trade and Gender Plan of Action (2024-2027), consider trade instruments and initiatives, consider the findings of a study on Women in Trade, present regional initiatives and international best practices on trade facilitation and gender, and consider approaches of mainstreaming gender into trade policy, among others.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

H.E. Khaled Abdullah Belhoul, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received a copy of the credentials of H.E. Dieminatou Sangare, Ambassador of the Republic of Mali to the UAE.

His Excellency wished the new Ambassador of the Republic of Mali success in the performance of her duties and emphasized the UAE’s keenness to enhance the relations between the UAE and Mali in all fields.

The newly appointed Ambassador praised the leading and prestigious position that the UAE enjoys regionally and internationally under the visionary policy of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs&International Cooperation.

The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has sent a congratulatory message to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China, on the occasion commemorating the 75th National Day Anniversary of that great country on October 1, 2024. According to a Foreign Ministry release, in his message to his Chinese counterpart, H. E. President XI Jinping, the Liberian leader, on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Liberia, extended warmest felicitations to the Chinese leader, and through him, to the Government and people of China, as they commemorate this historic milestone. 

President Boakai expressed confidence that as Liberia joins China in celebrating this historic day, he entertained hope the cordial ties of friendship and cooperation subsisting between the two countries and peoples will grow stronger and stronger in the spirit in the spirit of international solidarity. He added that his Government take particular note of China’s decision to elevate the two countries to the level of strategic partnership. The Liberia leader also commended China for its people-centered modernization drive under President Jinping leadership as he promotes modernization as a human right and that no one should be left behind in the process.   

President Boakai furthered that he look forward to continue collaboration as the two leaders work together in furtherance of the principles of the United Nations for the promotion of international peace and security. He then prayed that H.E. President XI Jinping will continue to be endowed with abundant wisdom and strength as he leads his country and the world to greater prosperity.   

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.

The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, will contribute $30 million over three years to the $369.5 million multi-donor Health Sector Transformation Project (HSTP) managed by the World Bank in South Sudan.  Through the HSTP, the United States is pleased to join other health donors committed to improving the health of South Sudanese people.

South Sudan continues to suffer some of the worst maternal and child health indicators globally. In 2020, 1,223 women died per 100,000 live births and one child in ten died before the age of five.  Through the HSTP, U.S. funds will be used to procure and deliver maternal and child health kits for host communities, refugees and returnees through health facilities.

We call upon the transitional government to prioritize its responsibilities to the people of South Sudan and to increase its use of public revenue to support the health sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in South Sudan.