Discover Sahelian Resilience

Let's Inspire. Change. Together

Join Us

Recent news

Graphic poster with blue curved ribbons and 2021–2024 text, African Union and partner logos.
Publications
Regional Stabilization Facility for the Lake Chad Basin - Region Report

This report is both a reflection and a call to action. It offers a moment to take stock of the progress made through the Regional Stabilization Facility (RSF)…

Read more
Cover: 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum report, Niamey 2015; African Union logo.
Publications
Report of the 5th Edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum Meeting

Organized by the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),…

Read more
Large group photo of students posing in front of an arched building, with flowers in foreground.
Press Releases
UNDP West and Central Africa and Senegal hold 2026 Annual Joint Staff Retreat

Pointe-Sarène, Senegal – 10 April 2026: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa (WACA) and Senegal Country…

Read more
Cover showing a naval ship at sea with the title on Iran-U.S. escalation and African economies.
Publications
Impact of the Iran-US military escalation on African Economies

This report analyses the vulnerability of African economies to potential shocks arising from an escalation between the United States and Iran. It highlights…

Read more
Group photograph of six men in traditional and formal attire posing in a room with garlands.
News
A Courtesy Visit to Strengthen the LCBC-UNDP Partnership in West and Central Africa

The UNDP Director of the Sub-regional Hub for West and Central Africa and Resident Representative for Senegal, Njoya Tikum, has paid a courtesy visit to the…

Read more
Group photo of the participants of the CoP in the meeting room
Press Releases
UNDP Africa Governance and Peacebuilding Practitioners press for digital governance and democratic resilience

The 2026 edition of UNDP Africa’s Governance and Peacebuilding Community of Practice (CoP) held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 10–12 March 2026, bringing together…

Read more
Five people pose for a group photo on a stage in front of a blue banner.
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…

Read more
Photograph of a large group gathered on steps in front of a blue building with a banner.
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…

Read more
Timbuktu Ed banner featuring a laptop on a desk, plant, and blue-yellow shapes.
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,…

Read more
Diverse group in formal attire standing in a line outside a building entrance.
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…

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

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

Read more
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)…

Read more
Brochure cover for Nexus Funding Facility; logos visible, small boat on blue water.
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…

Read more
Banner for NFF funding briefing with NGOs; logos NFF and UNDP; boat on Lake Chad.
Events
Nexus Funding Facility – Call for Proposals Briefing

Read more
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…

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

Read more

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.

Learn More
logo

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.

Read more
graphical user interface
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.

Read more
background pattern
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.

Read more
text
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.

Read more
graphical user interface
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.

Read more

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

Take Action

Current Vacancies
Join Us
Together, we can achieve more
Partnerships
a close up of a person holding a sign
Join our efforts
Campaigns