GIABA-ECOWAS showcases AML/CFT progress from 2025 to global stakeholders in Dakar

The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), a specialized ECOWAS Institution and leader in the coordination of regional initiatives to fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism (ML/FT), is stepping up its activities with all stakeholders to sensitize and educate critical sectors about its enviable work in the last financial year.

As part of this effort, the institution is organizing a series of activities from 6 to 7 July 2026 in Dakar, Senegal, for ECOWAS ambassadors, other relevant ambassadors, technical and financial partners and the regional and international media.

In this regard, Monday, July 6, 2026, will be devoted to the annual briefing session for ECOWAS Member States Ambassadors and Technical and Financial Partners on the activities of GIABA in its sustained efforts to fight the twin scourges of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.

During this occasion, the GIABA Annual Report 2025 will be presented to the public. This will be followed by a World Press Conference with media representatives from 12 ECOWAS Member States and the 3 Alliance des États du Sahel (AES) countries.

Tuesday, July 7, 2026, will be devoted to training over 40 journalists on topics related to crucial issues such as the role of the media in awareness-raising and prevention, vulnerabilities linked to corruption and tax fraud, and the importance of transparency of beneficial owners within the AML/CFT system.

The main aim of the two-day activities is to foster synergy between GIABA and stakeholders (diplomatic corps, national authorities and the media), to promote a comprehensive and integrated approach to anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism in West Africa.

The aim will also be to provide the invited target audience with more information on the operation of GIABA and on new developments in the global fight against money laundering (ML) and the financing of terrorism (FT).

This will contribute to better understanding, ownership and commitment to AML/CFT. The media, for their part, will be better equipped to inform and raise awareness among other stakeholders about the emerging risks in this area and encourage the adoption of best practices for a healthy and prosperous economy.

This meeting reflects the unwavering 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 various Strategic Plans, which recommend information and communication programmes for all stakeholders and development players. They 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 invites the public to take time and read the report on its website.