MAM CHERNO JALLOW TAKES OFFICE AS DIRECTOR GENERAL OF GIABA
Dakar, Senegal, 1st September 2026 – The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Mam Cherno JALLOW, as Director General, with effect from 1st September 2026.
Handover ceremony – 31 August 2026, Dakar
Mr JALLOW was appointed for a term of four (4) years by the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), at its 69th Ordinary Session held in Lungi, Republic of Sierra Leone on 19 July 2026.
This appointment marks a new page in the life of GIABA and is part of the constant desire of the highest levels of ECOWAS to consolidate regional governance and strengthen mechanisms for the prevention and fight against financial crime in West Africa.
An economist and financial expert, Mr JALLOW has more than thirty-five years of professional experience, gained in both the public and private sectors as well as within regional organizations. His career has enabled him to develop recognised expertise in the areas of strategic planning, administrative and financial management, resource mobilisation, economic cooperation, and private sector development.
His appointment as Director General of GIABA also brings with him solid experience within ECOWAS and in-depth knowledge of the Institution. Having joined GIABA in January 2022 as Head of Strategic Planning and Resource Mobilisation, Mr JALLOW has significantly contributed to the development and implementation of GIABA's strategic outlook. Since January 2024, he had acted as Director of Administration and Finance, with responsibilities for administrative and financial supervision within GIABA.
Prior to his arrival at GIABA, Mr JALLOW held senior positions within the ECOWAS Commission, particularly in the areas of strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, and cooperation with international partners. He also held leadership positions in organisations working to promote the private sector and trade in West Africa.
Mr JALLOW holds an MBA in Banking and Finance from the African Centre for Advanced Studies in Management (CESAG) in Dakar and a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the International Islamic University of Kuala Lumpur, he also has anti-money laundering training. His professional background and his contribution to economic development earned him, in 2010, the award of Member of the Order of the Republic of The Gambia (MRG).
Turning a page at GIABA
The appointment of the new Director General comes at a time when Member States in the region continue to face complex and evolving challenges related to money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.
Under the leadership of Mam Cherno JALLOW, GIABA will continue its efforts to strengthen national AML/CFT/FP systems, support Member States in the implementation of applicable international standards, develop institutional and operational capacities, as well as strengthen regional and international cooperation.
With his experience and knowledge of Community institutions, the new Director-General will also be keen to consolidate the achievements of the Institution, while promoting ever more effective collective action with Member States, ECOWAS institutions as well as regional and international partners.
As it turns this new page, GIABA reaffirms its commitment to pursuing its mission in service of its Member States with steadfastness and determination, and to contributing to the strengthening of the integrity and resilience of West Africa’s financial and economic systems.