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Press Releases
Gathered in Lomé, experts from Sahel countries are leveraging disaster data assets to strengthen impact-based early warning systems.

Pendant cinq jours, près de 30 experts nationaux et régionaux, représentant les agences nationales de réduction des risques de catastrophes (RRC) du Burkina Faso…

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Event poster for Creative4Peace Youth Forum with Cameroon flag and UNDP logo, Sep 29–30.
Press Releases
Creatives4Peace Youth Forum: Media Invited to Cover Regional Dialogue on Culture, Youth and Peace in Africa

The Creatives4Peace Youth Forum, convened by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Samsung's Generation17 Young Leaders initiative, will bring…

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Event poster for Creative4Peace Youth Forum with Cameroon flag and UNDP logo, Sep 29–30.
Press Releases
Young African Creators, Policymakers and Partners to Convene for the Creatives4Peace Youth Forum on Culture, Peace and Youth Economic Empowerment

Yaounde, Cameroon — 26 September 2026: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Service Centre for Africa, the Sub-regional Hub for West and…

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Publications
Women's role in Prevention and Peacebuilding in the Gulf of Guinea: A case for Early Action through the Prevention Facility

This extended policy brief analyzes the evolving risk landscape, synthesizes insights from regional actors, and proposes concrete, gender-responsive, and…

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Publications
10 x 10 Impact Stories in Africa: Celebrating 10 years of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda

The 10x10 Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Impact Stories in Africa initiative commemorates the tenth anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution…

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Infographic: global weather map of Africa and the Indian Ocean with heat zones and wind arrows.
Press Releases
UNDP calls for urgent anticipatory investment as El Niño worsens an already conflict-driven crisis in West and Central Africa

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is calling on governments, donors, and humanitarian and development partners in West and Central Africa to invest…

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Outdoor rural scene: man in red shirt sits as a woman with a green headscarf holds a baby.
Press Releases
Senegal launches pilot study on schistosomiasis treatment for preschool-aged children in Kédougou region

Senegal’s Ministry of Health and Social Action has launched a pilot study in the Kédougou region as part of the country’s roadmap for introducing arpraziquantel …

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Cover of a report: city skyline with blue network overlay on urbanization in West Africa.
Publications
Analysis of Urbanization Dynamics, Governance, and Territorial Vulnerabilities in West and Central Africa (WACA)

Urbanization in West and Central Africa is among the fastest in the world. However, this growth often comes at the expense of quality of life, essential services…

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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

Abstract blue wave pattern with text for the UNDP Annual Report 2024.
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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