JOB PROFILE

JOB TITLE	PROTOCOL ASSISTANT
INSTITUTION	GIABA
GRADE	G4/G5/G6
ID POSITION	20003315
ANNUAL SALARY	G4: UC 26,768.180 (US$ 42,234.84) G5: UC 31,502.30 (US$ 49,704.33) / G6: UC 35,815.21 (US$ 56,509.24)
DIRECTORATE	OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL
DIVISION	COMMUNICATION
LOCATION	ABIDJAN – COTE D’IVOIRE
LINE SUPERVISOR	INFORMATION MANAGER
DURATION	PERMANENT
DUTY STATION	ABIDJAN, COTE D’IVOIRE
Application email address	g3315proass@giaba.org
Application date line	26/12/2025

JOB PROFILE

JOB TITLE	RESEARCH, DOCUMENTATION AND PUBLICATION ASSISTANT
INSTITUTION	GIABA
GRADE	G4/G5/G6
JOB CODE	20001141
ANNUAL SALARY	G4: UC 26,768.180 (US$ 42,234.84) G5: UC 31,502.30 (US$ 49,704.33) / G6: UC 35,815.21 (US$ 56,509.24)
DIRECTORATE	DIRECTORATE POLICY AND RESEARCH
DIVISION	RESEARCH
LINE SUPERVISOR	RESEARCH & DOCUMENTATION OFFICER
DURATION	PERMANENT
DUTY STATION	DAKAR-SENEGAL
Application email address	g1141resdocass@giaba.org
Application date line	26/12/2025

JOB PROFILE
	JOB TITLE	ADMINISTRATIVE & STORES ASSISTANT
	INSTITUTION	GIABA
	GRADE	G3/G4/G5
	JOB CODE	20001152
	ANNUAL SALARY	G3: UC 23,895.00 ($37,701.53)/ G4: UC 26,768.180 (US$ 42,234.84) / G5: UC 31,502.30 (US$ 49,704.33)
	DIRECTORATE	DIRECTORATE OF ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE (POOLING WITH GIABA /EGDC)
	DIVISION	ADMINISTRATION & CONFERENCE
	LINE SUPERVISOR	ADMINISTRATIVE AND CONFERENCES OFFICER
	DURATION	PERMANENT
	DUTY STATION	DAKAR - SENEGAL
	Application email address	g1152admstoass@giaba.org
	Application date line	26/12/2025

GIABA HOLDS ITS 44^TH TECHNICAL COMMISSION AND PLENARY MEETINGS IN MONROVIA

The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) will hold its 44th Technical Commission and Plenary meetings from November 17 to 21, 2025, in Monrovia, Liberia.

Meeting twice a year, this major gathering of stakeholders in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/CFT) aims to promote discussions among technical experts from Member States (MS) on the threats and challenges relating to the fight against economic and financial crimes in the sub-region. It also allows MS to address relevant issues that require a concerted and harmonised approach to the effective implementation of AML/CFT measures. Finally, as a platform for sharing experiences, the plenary sessions also provide opportunities to establish partnerships among experts, MS representatives, technical partners, and observers in the context of AML/CFT.

In Monrovia, discussions will focus on the Follow-Up Reports (FURs) of the second round of mutual evaluations of Member States, including Mali, Niger, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. The Mutual Evaluation and Monitoring Processes and Procedures aim to assess the implementation and effectiveness of the laws, regulations, or other measures required by the core criteria. These mutual evaluations also make it possible to verify whether all necessary measures have been fully and adequately implemented. They also aim to help member states address gaps identified in their AML/CFT systems, in order to ensure compliance with international standards.

In Monrovia, there will also be discussions on the meeting of the Working Group on Risks, Trends and Methods (RTMG) and the Policy Review Group (PRG). The focus will be on updating the report on the typology of money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing (ML/TF/PF) risks related to trade in GIABA member states, as well as on adopting the Operational Manual for Member States' FIUs/CICs.

Also, on the agenda for the 44th Technical Commission and Plenary Meeting, there is the closed-door Regional Forum of Financial Intelligence Units (FFIUs), a special session led by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), the election of the bureau of the presidency of the Technical Commission, the Director General's summary activity report, etc. The opening ceremony of the meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 20^th November 2025. The President of the Republic of Liberia is invited to declare the session opened.  

The community institution's silver jubilee (25^th Anniversary) will be celebrated in Monrovia on 21^st November 2025. Created by the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in December 2000 as West Africa's response to the harmful effects of money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF), GIABA has, since its creation, made significant progress in various aspects relating to mechanisms for combating economic and financial crimes in its member states.

Celebrating this milestone means celebrating its successes and achievements. It also means identifying its mission among the contemporary ML/TF/PF challenges facing the sub-region; it means assessing its impact in promoting a robust AML/CFT/PF mechanism in West Africa; it means examining its future roles in the global AML/CFT/PF ecosystem; and finally, it means motivating staff and other stakeholders in their efforts to combat economic and financial crime.

TORONTO, November 7, 2025 - The Toronto Centre for Global Leadership in Financial Supervision (Toronto Centre) and the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) are pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to deepen collaboration in combatting of money laundering and the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT).

Money laundering and terrorist financing pose serious threats to financial (and general) stability and integrity of a country. They can lead to banking crises, governance weaknesses, and wider economic repercussions. This MOU outlines the efforts that Toronto Centre and GIABA are taking to combat these offenses, including the delivery of programs for financial supervisors in GIABA member jurisdictions that will enhance their AML/CFT toolkits, in accordance with the standards of the Financial Action Task Force.

Babak Abbaszadeh, President and CEO, Toronto Centre, stated:

“The MOU with GIABA highlights our shared commitment to strengthening the global response to money laundering and the financing of terrorism. By investing in training and capacity building, we are empowering financial supervisors to lead with integrity and safeguard the resilience of the financial system. We are honoured to partner with GIABA.”

Mr. Edwin W. Harris Jr., Director General, GIABA, also shared his thoughts on the MOU:

“This MOU represents a strategic milestone in our efforts to strengthen AML/CFT frameworks across West Africa. By combining our regional expertise with Toronto Centre’s global leadership in financial supervision, we are enhancing the capacity of our member States to safeguard financial integrity and promote sustainable development.”

Together, Toronto Centre and GIABA are committed to furthering AML/CFT measures in West Africa, ensuring the financial stability of vulnerable populations in the region.

To learn more about the missions and initiatives of Toronto Centre and GIABA, please visit our respective websites as follows:

 

Toronto Centre - https://torontocentre.org/

GIABA - https://www.giaba.org/

The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) will convene a Joint Experts’ Meeting (JEM) in Accra, Ghana from November 4 to 6, 2025. The meeting is supported by the Government of the Republic of Ghana.

The annual Joint Experts’ Meeting is a key global platform for operational engagement, which brings together experts from across the FATF Global Network to share practical insights, innovative strategies, and leading practices in tackling the evolving threats of money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing, and related financial crimes. The JEM plays a critical role in informing the FATF’s work by drawing on the frontline experiences of practitioners. It strengthens the effectiveness of the Global Network’s collective response to emerging typologies and risks, while fostering collaboration and consistency in the implementation of AML/CFT standards worldwide.

The 2025 JEM is designed to achieve such objectives that align with the broader goals of enhancing global cooperation and strengthening the effectiveness of AML/CFT efforts across the FATF Global Network and GIABA member States, among which are: enhancing the understanding of emerging money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing typologies and financial crime threats; strengthening regional and global collaboration in combating ML/TF/PF and related financial crimes; fostering strategic partnerships among key stakeholders; promoting mutual learning and exchange of good practices; providing operational input to support FATF and GIABA work programmes; initiating a structured engagement between the private sector and the FATF Global Network focusing on region-specific risks and emerging issues: and identifying opportunities for technical assistance and capacity building.

About 250 delegates are expected to participate, including distinguished experts from FATF member countries, various FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs), international organizations, and selected private sector stakeholders.

At the end of the Joint Experts Meeting, several key outcomes that will contribute to both global and regional efforts in combating financial crime, while reinforcing the strategic priorities of FATF and GIABA are expected. These include: operational insights and inputs to inform and shape FATF and GIABA work programmes; enhanced regional and global cooperation; improved understanding of emerging ML/TF/PF risks and typologies; identification of good practices and common challenges; stronger public-private sector engagement framework; opportunities for targeted technical assistance and capacity building; and network-building among AML/CFT practitioners

The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), in collaboration with the National Financial Intelligence Unit (CENTIF-Côte d'Ivoire) and the Coordinating Committee for National Policies on AML/CFT and the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, is organising a national workshop on the development of a framework and strategy for the collection and management of data to combat money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/CFT) from 10th to 12th  November 2025 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

This initiative is part of the regional project to support the design of national AML/CFT databases, implemented by GIABA in three member states – Côte d'Ivoire, Cabo Verde and Ghana – before its extension to all ECOWAS countries in 2026.

In a regional context marked by rising risks related to money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation, strengthening financial governance and economic resilience is more important than ever. Despite the progress made, data collection and exchange systems remain fragmented and often manual, limiting the effectiveness of national AML/CFT mechanisms. This is why GIABA, aware of the strategic importance of data in the prevention and detection of illicit financial flows, supports the establishment of centralised, secure and interoperable national databases, in accordance with Recommendation 33 of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

This workshop therefore aims to provide Côte d'Ivoire with a coherent national framework for collecting, analysing and sharing data on AML/CFT/FP. Specifically, it will involve designing a centralised system to consolidate and standardise the information produced by the various institutions concerned, strengthen the technical capacities of national actors, improve inter-institutional coordination and ensure faster access to reliable data for risk-based supervision, assessment and decision-making. Through this integrated approach, the country will strengthen its compliance with FATF and GIABA international standards, while consolidating its regional leadership in the fight against financial crime.

Over a period of three days, the programme will combine plenary sessions, thematic presentations, group work and practical training. It will bring together some thirty senior executives from the main Ivorian institutions, including the BCEAO, CENTIF, the Directorate-General of Customs, the Directorate-General of Taxes, the National Police, the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, the Platform for Combating Economic and Financial Crime (PLCC), the UEMOA Financial Markets Authority (AMF-UEMOA), the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register (RCCM), the National Institute of Statistics (INS) and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI-CI). This institutional diversity will ensure a comprehensive and complementary approach to the issue of data.

The workshop should yield concrete results, including the development of a draft national framework for data collection and management, the definition of a prioritised roadmap for its implementation, and the adoption of a plan for the gradual roll-out of the national AML/CFT/PF database. These deliverables will enable Côte d'Ivoire to strengthen the consistency and traceability of its efforts, improve the supervision of financial activities, and consolidate results in terms of investigations, prosecutions, and the confiscation of illicit assets.

Through this initiative, GIABA, CENTIF and the Coordinating Committee for National Policies on AML/CFT and the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction reaffirm their shared commitment to promoting transparency, financial integrity and regional cooperation in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. This workshop is therefore a decisive step towards building a reliable and sustainable data ecosystem, promoting more secure and resilient financial governance in Côte d'Ivoire and the sub-region.

 

 

Timothy MELAYE

Ag. Head - Communications and Advocacy

 

…/…

 

Reference number - 01/Cl/GIABA/DAF/P-CD4AML/2025

Sector: Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT)

Financing Agreement Reference: P-Z1-KF0-072

Project Identification Number: 5900155017401

The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) has received funding from the African Development Bank for the cost of the Project to Strengthen Capacities to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing in West African States in Transition, and intends to use part of the agreed amount of this grant for payments under the contract of a Project Procurement Officer (individual consultant).

The services included in this project are as follows: a) updating the procurement plan at least quarterly and as needed; b) filing and archiving all documents and contracts; c) establishing a mechanism to monitor the procurement process, particularly deadlines, in order to quickly identify potential causes of delays, inform senior management and suggest ways to resolve them; d) drafting requests for expressions of interest and requests for proposals and ensuring their timely publication; e) ensuring the quality of technical specifications and terms of reference produced by programme officers; f) prepare tender documents, requests for quotations and requests for proposals; g) monitor the publication of tender notices in the appropriate media (websites, newspapers); h) Participate in the opening of bids, the evaluation of submissions and the awarding of contracts, providing useful advice to stakeholders involved in the procurement process; i) Draft contracts between GIABA and consultants, suppliers and service providers; j) follow up on "no objection" documents requested from partners, if necessary; k) ensure that all decisions relating to the award and execution of contracts comply with the signed agreement and the regulations in force; l) assist/contribute to the drafting of and provide expert advice on incoming and outgoing communications relating to procurement; m) ensure that contractual commitments are systematically recorded in the information system and communicated to the Accountant; n) ensure that the results of tenders are published in a timely manner after the contract has been awarded and that unsuccessful bidders receive the necessary information; o) upon request, assist the Internal Procurement Committee (IPC) in evaluating bids and providing insights; p) assist committees or subcommittees responsible for analysing the selection of bids or the award of contracts, and any other activity deemed necessary by the Project Implementation Unit.

Expressions of interest should be sent by email to the address below, preferably before 14 November 2025, at 17:00 GMT, with the subject line "CD4AML/CFT Project Procurement Officer". 

For the attention of: PROCUREMENT UNIT

Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA)

SICAP Complex, Point E,1stFloor, Building A

Av. Cheikh-Anta DIOP x Canal IV - P.O. Box 32400

Dakar, Senegal

Tel.: +221 33 859 18 18

Email: consultants@giaba.org

Institution	Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA)
Subject	Recruitment of Consultants to Conduct National Workshops on Asset Recovery & Management of Seized and Confiscated Assets for National Competent Authorities
Sector	Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)
Financing Agreement reference:	P-Z1-KFO-072
Project ID No.	5900155017401
Location	Dakar, Senegal
Date of Publication	22 October 2025
Deadline	05 November 2025

West Africa is facing a resurgence of cybercrime, drug and human trafficking, corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF). These threats, which transcend national borders, undermine the peace, stability and sustainable development of ECOWAS member states.

The Sahel region is particularly affected: according to the 2025 edition of the Global Terrorism Index published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, it accounted for 51% of terrorism-related deaths worldwide in 2024, compared to 48% in 2023, and 19% of all terrorist attacks worldwide.

In this context, the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) is organising a national seminar to raise awareness among religious leaders on AML/CFT on the theme: "The role of religious leaders in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing". This initiative is part of GIABA's 2023-2027 strategic plan, which emphasises the importance of including community and religious actors in the fight against organised crime and violent extremism, and contributes to ECOWAS' Vision 2050 for a peaceful, resilient and prosperous West Africa.

The seminar will bring together religious and traditional leaders, representatives of CENTIF-Togo, GIABA experts and national and regional partners. Through presentations, case studies and interactive workshops, participants will be invited to: understand the mechanisms and challenges of ML/TF; identify prevention and awareness-raising strategies tailored to their communities; promote interfaith dialogue and tolerance; and actively contribute to the fight against financial and economic crime.

The aim is to strengthen religious leaders' understanding of AML/CFT, encourage cooperation with the authorities to detect radicalisation, develop a religious discourse promoting peace and social cohesion, and support the mobilisation of religious institutions for national cohesion.

Although relatively spared from large-scale attacks so far, Togo faces a growing threat of violent extremism along its northern border with Burkina Faso. Since 2021, several security incidents have been reported in the Savannah region, prompting the authorities to strengthen prevention, surveillance and community awareness. CENTIF-Togo assessments have also identified vulnerabilities related to corruption, fraud, smuggling, drug trafficking and financial crime, the proceeds of which can finance criminal or terrorist networks.

In response, the Togolese government has implemented the National Strategy to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (2022–2026) and is actively participating in the Accra Initiative- , which brings together six countries in the sub-region to secure borders and share intelligence. In this preventive approach, the role of religious and traditional leaders is recognised as strategic in maintaining social cohesion, promoting dialogue and preventing radicalisation.

At the end of the seminar, a national roadmap will be adopted to strengthen social mobilisation, community awareness and advocacy against criminal activities and religious intolerance. GIABA reaffirms its commitment to working closely with religious leaders, national authorities and regional partners for a safer, more united and resilient Togo and West Africa in the face of the threats of ML/TF and violent extremism.

 

 

Timothy MELAYE

Ag. PPO - Communications and Advocacy  

 

 

 

GIABA BUILDS JUDGES’ CAPACITIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIME

The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) will hold a four-day regional capacity-building seminar on economic and financial crimes for judges in Dakar from 14 – 17 October 2025.

Recognising the crucial role of judges in combating economic and financial crimes, particularly in the adjudication, freezing, seizure and confiscation of the proceeds of crime, GIABA hopes that this seminar will strengthen judges’ expertise in adjudicating ML/TF offences and related crimes, improve technical capacities and practical skills, promote inter-agency cooperation and coordination, and promote awareness of institutional strengths and limitations in the context of AML/CFT. The seminar, funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), will serve as a platform for strengthening resilience in ten (10) transition countries that are members of GIABA. These include Burkina Faso, Union of the Comoros, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone and Togo.

Experts and participants at the seminar will share ideas through presentations, interactive sessions, group discussions, case studies and sharing of national experiences. The event is expected to see an increase in the number of judges trained and knowledgeable in AML/CFT issues, an increase in the number of ML/TF cases successfully prosecuted, increased capacity among judges to facilitate the effective implementation of AML/CFT measures in the region and globally, and improved coordination and cooperation between judges and law enforcement agencies on ML/TF issues.

GIABA STRENGTHENS THE CAPACITIES OF MEMBERS OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEES (PACs) OF ECOWAS MEMBER STATES

 

The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) is organizing, a regional seminar on the prevention of financial crime and the strengthening of public financial management through the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committees of ECOWAS member states in Lomé, Togo, on 18 & 19 September 2025.

 

The seminar aims to enhance knowledge on legal frameworks, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and institutional arrangements that promote the integrity of Public Financial Management (PFM); equip PACs with practical tools to interpret audit reports, detect red flags and recommend preventive and corrective measures; facilitate regional peer-to-peer learning on successful  practices and their challenges; Promote stronger inter-agency collaboration between PACs, Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), anti-corruption agencies, criminal investigation and prosecution agencies, civil society and the media; develop concrete recommendations to strengthen the independence, technical competence and operational effectiveness of PACs.

 

PACs are an essential pillar of national public finance governance mechanisms. They provide crucial oversight by reviewing the accounts of government and public agencies, reviewing audit reports issued by SAIs, and making recommendations for corrective action. They also help to close systemic gaps that enable financial crimes, promote better value for money and maintain public trust in state institutions. However, in many Member States of the Community, PACs face enormous challenges which undermine their ability to perform their functions optimally. These challenges include, among others, political interference and lack of institutional independence and the lack of structured collaboration with Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI)s, FIUs, anti-corruption agencies and agencies/departments in charge of criminal investigations and prosecutions; etc.

 

GIABA, beyond its main mission of combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing (AML/CFT/P), is committed to promoting financial integrity, transparency and accountability in the management of public resources as a means of preserving economic stability and strengthening democratic governance in the ECOWAS region. This capacity building for PACs will provide a double strategic benefit by improving Public Finance Management (PFMs) systems while preventing financial crimes.

The seminar will also provide participants with a unique platform to deepen their understanding of the links between PFM and economic and financial crimes; to strengthen their technical capacities; and to share the experiences of peers from across the sub-region.

 

The participatory approach to be adopted during the meeting will allow the attendees to engage in peer-to-peer learning in selected case studies of ECOWAS Member States, complemented by thematic discussions.  The event brings together parliamentarians, auditors and anti-corruption practitioners. The seminar will conclude with the collaborative drafting of a joint communiqué containing agreed recommendations, priority actions and follow-up commitments at the national and regional levels.

GIABA SENSITIZES ECOWAS ADMINISTRATIVE AND

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS ON AML/CFT/PF COMPLIANCE

 

The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) will hold an awareness-raising seminar from 15 to 16 September 2025 in Lomé, Togo, on anti-money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing (AML/CFT/PF) compliance for members of the ECOWAS Administrative and Finance Committee (AFC).

 

The meeting will seek, among other things, to strengthen AFC members’ strategic insight into GIABA’s operational mandate, achievements and financial needs, particularly in the context of the budget squeeze currently affecting ECOWAS institutions; raise awareness on the ML/TF/PF threats and compliance obligations in national, regional and international frameworks; highlight the crucial role of the AFC in the financial sustainability of GIABA; generate strong support for increased financing to GIABA in the 2026 budget cycle and beyond; promote high-level advocacy and political commitment for the sustainable funding of GIABA’s technical assistance, mutual evaluation and capacity-building programmes, etc.

 

In 2023 and 2024, the sub-region faced different crises and challenges, which saw a decline in revenue sources, arrears in Community contributions and a reduction in the budget allocation for Community institutions, including GIABA. This situation has profoundly hampered the roll-out of GIABA’s activities, hence the holding of this meeting to deepen the understanding of members of the AFC on the complexities, methodologies and operational dynamics of GIABA. It will also serve as a platform for Mr Edwin W. Harris Jr., Director General of GIABA, to make a case for an increase in his institution’s budget, in line with its mission to promote AML/CFT/PF reforms, facilitate mutual evaluation processes, deliver technical assistance and strengthen national AML/CFT frameworks.

 

At the end of the meeting, the Committee is expected to make a clear commitment to provide long-term support for GIABA’s budget allocations; broader recognition of the AFC’s influence in mobilising timely financial contributions from Member States and aligning ECOWAS budget priorities with regional security imperatives; and strengthened institutional collaboration between GIABA and the AFC for sustained engagement, financial planning and monitoring of key initiatives to combat economic and financial crime, etc.

 

Key topics for discussion will include understanding the threats and realities of the region, strengthening implementation and regional mobilisation, etc.

GIABA RAISES AWARENESS AMONG AMBASSADORS AND CONSULS OF MEMBER STATES, TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL PARTNERS, AS WELL AS MEDIA EXECUTIVES ON AML/CFT

The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) will hold its annual briefing session for ambassadors and consuls of Member States, as well as technical and financial partners, in Dakar from 26 – 27 August 2025. The session will feature a presentation of GIABA’s 2024 annual report and a press conference to raise awareness among media executives in Member States about their responsibilities and obligations in AML/CFT in West Africa and to strengthen the partnership between them and GIABA.

Touted as a platform for raising awareness of GIABA’s activities, mission, achievements and challenges, this meeting is also aimed at informing participants about new developments and seeking their cooperation and participation in disseminating AML/CFT messages across the subregion.
This is all the more important given that GIABA’s various Strategic Plans have recommended the holding of information, awareness-raising and briefing sessions for all development stakeholders.

This GIABA information session is in line with the recommendation of the 64th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, which was approved by the 38th Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Sal (Republic of Cabo Verde) on 2 July 2010, requiring the Community
Institutions to regularly hold information sharing sessions for ambassadors and Representatives of Member States on their activities.

President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency President Joseph BOAKAI and Director General of GIABA, Mr. Edwin HARRIS Jr. during a high-level advocacy visit to the President and key stakeholders in Liberia’s AML/CFT regime from Monday August 11 to Wednesday August 13, 2025

AUTHORITIES IN LIBERIA have pledged to strengthen actions against money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) in the country. The pledge is coming at the end of a three-day high-level advocacy visit to key stakeholders in the country by the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), led by its Director General, Mr. Edwin W. HARRIS, Jnr.

In separate meetings with the President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency, President Joseph BOAKAI; the Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, Mr. Henry F. Saamoi; the Hon. Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, represented by Cllr Cora Hare Konuwa, Deputy Minister for Codification; the National Security Advisor, Mr. Samuel Kofi Woods; management team of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, and members of the Joint Public Accounts Expenditure and Audit Committee of the Liberian Legislature, the sentiment that the country was geared up to take all necessary steps to ensure that it complies with all relevant anti-money laundering standards was palpable.

GIABA commended the country for its high-level commitment and the several reforms implemented to address some of the identified strategic deficiencies in Liberia’s AML/CFT/CPF system, including the enactment of the Control Drug and Substance Act, 2023; adoption of the beneficial ownership regulation; adoption of the national AML/CFT Action Plan (2024-2028); and the establishment of the Office of Asset Recovery.  

Discussions on the country’s 3rd round of evaluation focused on the need for early and adequate preparations, including implementation of necessary reforms to address outstanding strategic deficiencies and align with recent changes to FATF standards, enhancement of domestic cooperation, adequate resourcing of critical institutions and improvements in ML/TF investigation, prosecutions and conviction, as well as recovery of criminal proceeds. The team also encouraged Liberia to seek re-rating to improve its technical compliance performance. In addition, the team solicited the full support of the political authorities for the country’s 3rd round assessment scheduled for 2031, and the 44th GIABA Technical Commission /Plenary meeting planned for November 17-21, 2025, in Monrovia, Liberia. The DG assured the authorities of GIABA’s continued support in strengthening the capacity of the country to enhance the implementation of its AML/CFT/CPF regime. 

The Liberian authorities took note of the outstanding strategic deficiencies in their AML/CFT/CPF system and committed to addressing them, including by establishing Financial Crimes Court, and adequately resourcing relevant institutions. The country also committed to preparing adequately for its 3rd round evaluation in order to achieve better performances. In addition, the authorities welcome the hosting of the 44th GIABA Technical Commission /Plenary meeting in Liberia and pledged to fully support the organisation of the event.   

GIABA MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ENDORSES MEMBERSHIP OF SAHEL AS NON-ECOWAS MEMBERS OF GIABA

 

      The GIABA Ministerial Committee (GMC) unanimously approved the applications of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger for admission as non-ECOWAS members of GIABA during its 2^nd Extraordinary session held on July 19, 2025, in Accra, Ghana.

    In accordance with the GIABA statute, the GMC agreed to recommend applications to the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), through the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, for their consideration and approval. The GMC is the principal decision-making organ of GIABA, comprising the Ministers of Finance, the Ministers of Internal Affairs or Security, and the Ministers of Justice of each GIABA member State.

      It would be recalled that Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their exit in January 2024, and they created a confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States; however, ECOWAS granted the three departing countries a six-month grace period to reconsider their decision, which was to no avail. The withdrawal became effective on January 29, 2025, after a one-year notice period.

     The GIABA establishment statute permits it to accept non-ECOWAS member States as members, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Currently, GIABA has two non-ECOWAS countries (Sao Tome and Principe and the Comoros Islands). GIABA presented to the GMC a Memorandum on the applications of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger for admission as non-ECOWAS members of GIABA, stressing that the three countries substantially met the eligibility requirements for GIABA membership and have expressed their willingness to fulfil their membership obligations, including financial obligations and implementation of GIABA decisions on AML/CFT/CPF issues affecting them.

 

The GMC supported the paper presented by GIABA and discussed extensively the membership applications of the three countries, including the benefits and cost of non-admission of these countries to regional peace, security and development, highlighting the fact that GIABA statutes allow the admission of non-ECOWAS members and that the countries have met the membership criteria.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger thanked the GMC for the unanimous decision, stressing the importance of collaboration in addressing the security threats in the region and reiterated their commitment to GIABA and willingness to meet their membership obligations.

 

Earlier in a welcome address, the Director General of GIABA, Mr. Edwin W. Harrs Jr. informed the GMC about the exit of Mali from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in June 2025 and the onsite visit of the  Africa Joint Group of the International Cooperation Review Group of FATF to Nigeria and Burkina Faso from August 2-5, 2025, and August 7-9, 2025,  respectively. He expressed optimism that these two member States will exit from the FATF grey list in October 2025.

 

The DG further informed the GMC of the admission of the Financial Intelligence Units of The Gambia and Sierra Leone into the Egmont Group in July 2025; the invitation by FATF to the Federal Republic of Nigeria to sit as its guest member from October 2025 to October 2026; as well as the celebration of GIABA’s Silver Jubilee anniversary scheduled to hold in Monrovia in November 2025.

 

Declaring the meeting opened, Her Excellency, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang commended GIABA for its vital role in safeguarding the integrity of the regional financial systems and called on the GMC to be guided by the values that bind ECOWAS together;  the shared goals and the broader strategic direction of ECOWAS in deciding on the membership of the Sahel States.

 While urging the GMC to approach the discussions with a spirit of unity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, she reiterated that GMC’s decision will have profound implications on the future structure, reach, and efficiency of GIABA, stressing that our goal must be to ensure that GIABA remains inclusive, responsive, and capable of adapting to new and evolving threats.

The highlight of the meeting was the symbolic handing over of the Chairmanship of the GMC by Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of Nigeria, to Mr. Sheku F. Bangura, Hon. Minister of Finance of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

//END//

Institution	Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA)
Selection method :	Selection of Individual Consultant
Selection reference :	GIABA/BUDGET/2025/SCI/17
Subject :	Selection of Country Researchers / Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Publication date :	23 July 2025
Deadline :	13 August 2025

 

July 2025

 

GIABA's third round of mutual evaluations assesses countries' implementation of the FATF Recommendations against the FATF revised Assessment Methodology, adopted in 2022.  

All dates indicated are subject to change.

CONSOLIDATED CALENDAR FOR THE GIABA 3^RD ROUND MUTUAL EVALUATIONS

MEMBER STATE	ASSESSMENT BODY	LAST EVALUATION	TENTATIVE ON-SITE PERIOD	PLENARY DISCUSSION
Ghana	GIABA	May 2017	January 2026	November 2026
Senegal	GIABA	November 2018	August 2026	May 2027
Burkina Faso	GIABA	May 2019	February 2027	November 2027
Mali	GIABA	November 2019	August 2027	May 2028
Benin	GIABA	May 2021	February 2028	November 2028
Nigeria	GIABA	August 2021	March 2028	November 2028
Niger	GIABA	August 2021	August 2028	May 2029
Cabo Verde	GIABA	May 2019	February 2029	November 2029
Sierra Leone	GIABA	December 2020	March 2029	November 2029
Guinea Bissau	GIABA	Feb 2022	August 2029	May 2030
The Gambia	GIABA	May 2022	March 2030	November 2030
Cote d’Ivoire	GIABA	May 2023	February 2030	November 2030
Togo	GIABA	May 2022	August 2030	May 2031
Liberia	GIABA	May 2023	March 2031	November 2031
Guinea	GIABA	Nov 2023	February 2031	November 2031
Union of the Comoros	GIABA	May 2024	August 2031	May 2032
São Tomé and Príncipe	GIABA	Nov 2024	February 2032	November 2032

 

As part of its programme of activities for the year 2025, the ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (CCDG), intends to select an accounting firm for the Audit of the accounts of the "Project to Support the Protection of Child Victims of Violations of their Rights" (PAPEV), which it is implementing.

The ECOWAS Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) invites interested firms to express their interest in providing the services described above. This Notice of Expressions of Interest is intended for: Duly constituted and approved firms (audit and accounting firms).

Eligibility criteria: Any legal entity is eligible subject to the conditions of exclusion from procurement processes as set out in Article 10 of the ECOWAS Procurement Code. The attention of interested firms is particularly drawn to Article 118 of the revised ECOWAS Public Procurement Code ("Offences committed by candidates, bidders and successful bidders"), which provides information on corrupt or fraudulent practices in the context of competition or the performance of a contract. In addition, please refer to the following specific information on conflicts of interest related to this mission, in accordance with "Article 119 of the Revised ECOWAS Public Procurement Code". The ECOWAS Public Procurement Code is available in https://ecowas.int/nwp_events/resources-offical-documents/.

Expressions of Interest must be received no later than 04 august 2025 at 11:30 (GMT) Dakar Time at the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) Procurement Service SICAP Complex, Point E, 2nd Floor, Building A, Av. Cheikh Anta Diop x Canal IV, Dakar, Senegal Tel: +221 33 859 18 18. or by email, at the address: consultants@giaba.org.

in subject line " AMI03-2025-PAPEV Project Audits: Name of the Consultant"

Interested Consultants can obtain additional information by sending an email to the following addresses: procurement@giaba.org :cc: mnnakorba@giaba.org; dnunez@giaba.org , msbarry@ccdgecowas.org , ikkamara@ecowas.int in the subject line " AMI03-2025-Audits Projet PAPEV".

 

The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) is organising a 2–day seminar for ECOWAS Resident Representatives of all member States from 17 – 18 July 2025 in Accra, Ghana.

The objective of the seminar is to equip Resident Representatives with the knowledge, strategies, and networks necessary to become proactive actors in promoting AML/CFT reforms, supporting mutual evaluation processes, facilitating technical cooperation, and strengthening national AML/CFT frameworks in the region.

Furthermore, the seminar aims to build strategic alliances for effective implementation and follow-up of FATF Standards, and identify practical actions Resident Representatives can undertake to champion AML/CFT reforms and stakeholder collaboration in their respective countries.

 

Additionally, the seminar will go a long way to enhance knowledge of international, regional, and national AML/CFT/PF frameworks and GIABA’s mandate.  It will also identify practical actions Resident Representatives can undertake to champion AML/CFT reforms and stakeholder collaboration in their respective countries.

 

The themes to be covered during the seminar include: an overview of GIABA mandates, conceptual Issues and the adverse impacts of Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation in West Africa, overview of the FATF Standards (Recommendations and Interpretive Notes), the outcome of the 2nd Round Mutual Evaluation and the GIABA 3rd Round of Mutual Evaluation Calendar and the Role of Resident Representatives in fostering GIABA’s Mandate in ECOWAS member States, amongst others.

 

At the end of the seminar, the following outcomes were expected:

Ø  increased awareness among ECOWAS Resident Representatives on their strategic role in supporting AML/CFT implementation.

Ø  improved coordination between GIABA and ECOWAS Resident Representatives.

Ø  identify country-specific and regional challenges, and practical recommendations for enhanced AML/CFT advocacy.

Ø  cooperation towards a strengthened commitment to support national reforms and resource mobilization aligned with GIABA’s objectives.

 

GIABA continues to engage stakeholders in all strata of society to combat money laundering, terrorism, and proliferation financing.