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Press Releases
ECOWAS joins the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure: Strengthening risk-informed development in West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), a global partnership…

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Press Releases
Regional Dialogue on Weapons and Ammunition Management in the Gulf of Guinea

Accra, Ghana – 06 February 2026: A two‑day Regional Dialogue on Weapons and Ammunition Management (WAM) concluded on 05 February 2026 at the Kofi Annan…

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Press Releases
Call for Applications: Join the pan-African incubation programme ‘Get Ready 4 Timbuktoo EdTech’

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officially launches the call for applications for the online incubation programme: Get Ready 4 Timbuktoo EdTech,…

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News
Regional Experts Converge to Advance Energy Access and Transition in West and Central Africa

Development partners, private-sector actors, and UNDP energy experts from across 25 countries, mostly from West and Central Africa, have concluded a two-day high…

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Press Releases
Over 50 Young Innovators Showcase Innovative Solutions at Regional Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp Closing.

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Press Releases
Youth-led Cybersecurity and Tech-driven Peacebuilding for Smart and Secure Development in West and Central Africa

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Publications
Climate, Peace and Security in Stabilization contexts in the Sahel

The Sahel faces a deepening crisis marked by conflict, insecurity, and the growing impacts of climate change. To understand how climate, peace and security (CPS)…

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Publications
Call for Proposals (Stage 1) – Nexus Funding Facility

The Nexus Funding Facility (NFF), administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support from Germany, has launched its first Call for…

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Events
Nexus Funding Facility – Call for Proposals Briefing

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Publications
Practical solutions at the intersection of climate action, peace, and security in the Liptako-Gourma region

The Liptako-Gourma region, encompassing parts of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, faces severe challenges exacerbated by climate change, resource scarcity and…

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Press Releases
Cybersecurity Training Participants Confirmed | A Step Forward for Digital Resilience in West and Central Africa

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Blog
African Electoral Institutions and Their Role in shaping our Democracy

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Press Releases
The Banjul Moment of Governance: Sahel Governance Forum Charts New Path for Trust and Accountability

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Speeches
Sahel Governance Forum | Closing Remarks by Ahunna Eziakonwa

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Speeches
Sahel Governance Forum | Opening Remarks by Ahunna Eziakonwa

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Publications
Sahel Governance Forum | Official Programme

The Government of the Republic of The Gambia, in collaboration with the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF), International IDEA and the United Nations Development…

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Publications
The Future of Governance in the Sahel

This report is the result of extensive consultations, engagements and research by leading experts who researched, questioned and analyzed emerging trends,…

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What we do?

UNDP WACA is at the forefront of accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 24 countries across West and Central Africa. Our multidimensional approach encompasses promoting good governance, fostering sustainable livelihoods, tackling climate change, enhancing community resilience, driving structural transformation, and eradicating poverty.

Through a tailored blend of strategic policy support, innovative programming, robust partnerships, and comprehensive capacity-building initiatives, UNDP WACA plays a pivotal role in shaping a more resilient and prosperous future for the sub-region.

Spotlight

Introducing the #IAMSAHEL Campaign

Welcome to the #IAMSAHEL Campaign, a UNDP WACA initiative designed to transform and amplify the voices of Sahelians. The Sahel—a vast and diverse region encompassing Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and The Gambia—has long been depicted through the lens of crisis, poverty, and hunger. Join us in telling a different story—a story of potential, resilience, and ingenuity.

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Featured

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UNDP WACA | Annual Report 2024

This annual report reflects how UNDP is adapting to today’s challenges, rethinking strategies, and deepening its engagement across West and Central Africa. It invites you to explore how, together, we can build a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future for the region.

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UNDP Launches #IAMSahel Campaign to Foster Collective Action and Catalyse Investments in the Sahel

This transformative and storified initiative is designed to reshape global perceptions of the Sahel region, which has historically been viewed through a lens of adversity. Informed by current realities, the campaign highlights the strength, potential, dynamism, and ambition of Sahelians.

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Sahel Offer Implementation Report

This report covers efforts made through “A Regeneration”, highlighting UNDP’s contribution to implementing the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS) across the 10 UNISS Sahel Countries.

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United Nations Development Programme and Goodluck Jonathan Foundation Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Democracy and Development in West And Central Africa

UNDP and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation signed an MoU to enhance development activities focusing on preventive diplomacy for sustainable peace, promoting knowledge generation and utilization, and enhancing leadership capabilities in the region.

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UNDP WACA #IAMSahel Campaign Strategy

The #IAMSahel campaign seeks to highlight efforts being undertaken by Sahelians to drive sustainable transformation and spotlight opportunities often overshadowed by the prevailing focus on conflicts and crises.

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West and Central Africa at a Glance

24

Countries supported

579

Million people living in West and Central Africa

130

Million people are in need of development assistance in the Sahel alone

2.6°C

Increase in temperature is expected by 2050

53%

of people living in the WACA region live in rural areas

$3.6

Billion is needed to support the regeneration of the Sahel

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