Strengthening Regional Cooperation: NACIWA’s 2025 Milestones”

Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA)

7th Annual General Assembly

Key Outcomes and Strategic Direction

Context

The 7th Annual General Assembly (AGA) of NACIWA was held in October 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria, at the ECOWAS Commission Auditorium.
As the supreme decision-making body of the Network, the General Assembly provides the platform through which Member Institutions review collective progress, adopt binding resolutions, and set strategic priorities for regional anti-corruption cooperation.

The Assembly convened Heads and senior representatives of anti-corruption institutions across West Africa, alongside regional and international partners, under the theme:

“A United ECOWAS Against Corruption: Strengthening Regional Collaboration for Asset Recovery and Exchange of Information.”

Key Outcomes

Deliberations at the 7th AGA focused on strengthening cooperation, coordination, and effectiveness within the ECOWAS anti-corruption architecture. Key outcomes included:

• Reaffirmation of regional collaboration as essential to combating corruption, particularly in the areas of asset tracing, recovery, and information exchange.

• Endorsement of ongoing work on regional instruments and guidelines relating to borderless investigations and asset recovery and management, with agreed timelines for further technical development and institutional follow-up.

• Adoption of resolutions mandating the Secretariat to continue coordination, technical support, and engagement with Member Institutions and partners.

• Guidance to the Executive Committee (EXCO) to provide strategic oversight and ensure effective implementation of Assembly decisions.

Governance and Institutional Strengthening

The Assembly underscored the importance of strong governance and institutional coherence within NACIWA. In this regard, Member Institutions:

• Reaffirmed the coordinating role of the Secretariat in driving implementation, facilitating information-sharing, and supporting Member Institutions.

• Emphasized institutional strengthening and peer learning, aligned with ECOWAS frameworks and relevant international anti-corruption standards.

• Reinforced the responsibility of the Executive Committee to monitor progress, support accountability, and guide the Network between General Assemblies.

Looking Ahead: Strategic Direction for 2026

The 7th AGA positioned 2026 as a year of implementation and delivery, building on policy alignment achieved in previous years. The strategic focus for the coming year includes:

• Structured implementation of agreed priorities with clearer sequencing and measurable outputs.

• Improved coordination and shared progress reporting across Member Institutions.

• Sustained engagement with regional and international partners to support capacity development and long-term impact.