The ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) has concluded a four-day strategic retreat in Saly, Senegal, aimed at strengthening budget planning and aligning with the newly introduced Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) of the ECOWAS Commission.
The retreat, brought together staff of the EGDC, representatives from the GIABA/EGDC Pooling, and the Directorate of Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. Participants reviewed the Centre’s draft 2026–2028 budget, validated its fourth quarter work plan, and assessed its third quarter performance report for 2025.
According to organizers, the exercise provided an opportunity for staff to reflect strategically, share knowledge, and strengthen internal coordination.
Specialists from the ECOWAS Directorate of Strategic Planning commended the initiative, stressing that inclusive planning is vital to efficiency.
“This retreat reflects management’s vision of involving all stakeholders in planning and developing tools that enhance accountability and results,” one participant noted.
In her remarks, the Director of the EGDC expressed gratitude to GIABA and the Directorate of Strategic Planning for their technical support, highlighting the significance of the new framework.
“This exercise is not only about compliance with rules and procedures but also about preparing effectively for budget arbitration and ensuring that gender issues remain central to ECOWAS priorities,” she said.
The retreat also identified key challenges and prospects for the years ahead, setting the stage for improved resource management, program delivery, and gender-focused interventions across the region.
