Governance & Leadership

Our commitment to transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance that serves all 12 member states with integrity and excellence.

Governance Framework

IPAWAS operates under a robust governance framework designed to ensure effective decision-making, accountability, and representation of all member Investment Promotion Agencies.

Legal Structure

Incorporated in Nigeria as a company limited by guarantee under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a non-profit, autonomous regional body.

Membership Model

Composed of national Investment Promotion Agencies from all 12 ECOWAS Member States, with each member IPA having equal representation and voting rights in governance decisions.

Decision-Making

Operates through consensus-building and democratic processes, with major decisions requiring approval from member IPAs through General Assembly meetings and executive committee deliberations.

Constitution & Bylaws

Governed by comprehensive constitution and bylaws that define membership requirements, governance structures, operational procedures, and accountability mechanisms.

Performance Monitoring

Regular assessment of organizational performance against strategic objectives, with transparent reporting to member IPAs and key stakeholders on progress and impact.

Stakeholder Engagement

Maintains collaborative relationships with ECOWAS, WAIPA, development partners, and other stakeholders while ensuring member IPA interests remain central to all activities.

General Assembly
  • Highest decision-making body
  • Appoints Secretary General of IPAWAS
  • Considers and approves strategic policies
  • Constitutes the Technical Committee
  • Approves budgets and reports
Technical Committee
  • Provides technical support
  • Reviews and recommends budgets
  • Provides strategic guidance
  • Monitors performance
  • Reports to General Assembly
Secretariat
  • Implements Assembly decisions
  • Operates and manages Secretariat
  • Prepares annual work programmes
  • Develops strategic partnerships
  • Performs administrative matters

Current Leadership Structure

About the IPAWAS President

Ms. Aisha Rimi, Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) of Nigeria, is the President of the Investment Promotion Agencies of West African States (IPAWAS).

About the Vice President

Dr. Jailson Oliveira, President/CEO of Cabo Verde Trade Invest (CVTI) of Cabo Verde, serves as the Vice President of the Investment Promotion Agencies of West African States (IPAWAS).

About the Secretary General

Mr. Bakary Séga Bathily, General Manager/CEO of the Agence pour la Promotion des Investissements et des Grands Travaux (APIX) of Senegal, is the Secretary General of the Investment Promotion Agencies of West African States (IPAWAS).

View Secretary General profile →

Governance Principles

01
Transparency

All governance processes, financial records, and operational decisions are documented and made accessible to member IPAs, fostering trust and accountability.

02
Inclusivity

Every member IPA, regardless of country size or economic capacity, has equal voice and opportunity to participate in governance and benefit from IPAWAS programs.

03
Accountability

Clear reporting mechanisms ensure all stakeholders can track progress, measure impact, and hold the organization accountable for delivering on its commitments.

04
Consensus Building

Decision-making prioritizes dialogue and consensus among members, ensuring alignment with collective interests and regional priorities.

05
Sustainability

Financial and operational sustainability guide all decisions, ensuring long-term viability and capacity to serve member IPAs effectively.

06
Ethical Standards

Highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct govern all interactions with members, partners, and stakeholders.

Committed to Excellence in Governance

Learn more about our organizational structure and how we serve our member states.