Weekly Update: Africa

Nigeria – As part of CIPE’s program, “Strengthening the Voice of Business in the North Central Zone,” CIPE Regional Director for Africa and the Middle East Abdulwahab Alkebsi, Nigeria Country Director Wumi Gbadamosi, Program Officer Yana Hongla, and Assistant Program Officer Erica Poff traveled to Abuja to hold a half-day meeting with the two top representatives of six partner organizations. The event was organized by the Jos Business School, and the partners represented the Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara and Niger Coalitions of Business and Professional Associations. The meeting allowed each coalition to share the impact of their CIPE-supported projects, which sought to raise awareness of their Coalitions and promote policy reform within their states through public-private dialogue. The meeting also gave participants the opportunity to network and share best practices on their respective advocacy projects.

Nigeria – CIPE staff met with potential partners in Abuja, including the Nigerian Business and Professional Women’s Association and Young Stars. CIPE also met with the Economic Community of West African States, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.S. Embassy to discussion areas for future cooperation and develop strategies that will unify the voice of business and engage the government on policy reforms.