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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), a specialised ECOWAS institution that coordinates regional initiatives to fight money laundering and the financing of terrorism (ML/FT), will next week train more than 40 journalists from across the region as part of a two-day push to sharpen ECOWAS’s response to money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
The workshop, set for July 7, 2026, follows an annual briefing for ECOWAS ambassadors and technical and financial partners on July 6. It will bring reporters from 12 ECOWAS countries and three Alliance des États du Sahel (AES) states together for practical training on investigating illicit finance, explaining complex AML/CFT (anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism) issues to the public, and pressuring governments to close regulatory loopholes.
The main aim of the two-day activities is to foster synergy between GIABA and stakeholders (diplomatic corps, national authorities and the media), and to promote a comprehensive and integrated approach to anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism in West Africa. The events also aim to provide invited audiences with more information on the operation of GIABA and on new developments in the global fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, to contribute to better understanding, ownership and commitment to AML/CFT.
GIABA said the media will be better equipped to inform and raise awareness among other stakeholders about emerging risks, and to encourage adoption of best practices for a healthy and prosperous economy.
The meeting reflects the commitment of GIABA and ECOWAS to protecting the integrity of financial systems and promoting peace and sustainable development in the region. These annual activities arise from the institution’s Strategic Plans, which recommend information and communication programmes for all stakeholders and development players, and follow on from those held in Dakar in previous years.
The meetings will be attended by line ministries, national stakeholders, ambassadors from ECOWAS Member States and other States accredited to Senegal, representatives of the institution’s technical and financial partners, civil society and leaders of media outlets from the 12 Member States and AES countries. GIABA urged the public to read the report on its website, www.giaba.org.
