The ECOWAS Representation in Cabo Verde held its first Annual Retreat from 4 to 6 February 2026 in Ribeirão Chiqueiro. The meeting marked a structuring milestone in consolidating the role of the Representation in the country, highlighting its continued engagement in promoting ECOWAS’s regional agenda with national authorities, institutional partners, and civil society.
Chaired by the Acting Resident Representative, Ms. Kelly Lopes, the retreat brought together all staff of the Office, as well as some staff from CEREEC, who collaborate under a pooling arrangement. Its main objective was to assess the performance of recent activities and to jointly define the strategic and operational priorities for the year 2026. The exercise also contributed to strengthening team cohesion and improving internal coordination mechanisms, including collaboration with ECREEE.
During the proceedings, a review was presented of the activities carried out within the framework of the celebration of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee, highlighting actions with strong public and institutional impact, such as conferences, media programmes, fairs, school-based awareness activities, and initiatives implemented in partnership with civil society organisations.
