MANO RIVER UNION

Some time ago, we rolled out the mobile money training to establish safe digital transaction points for Women Cross Border Traders ( ) in Koindu, Foya, Jendema, and Bo Waterside, through the , which is funded by the African Development Bank Group.
The training provided hands on mobile money workshops for 600 women traders across our 3 value chains in the four communities. This led to the creation of designated, trusted mobile money booths to enhance security and reliability. It also strengthened collaboration mobile money service providers, local agents, and border authorities.
It is expected that these trainings will provide practical digital finance skills for safer cross border trade, increased trust and transparency in transactions, a and replicable support system for women with limited formal education.
It’s more than training – it’s about building an inclusive business ecosystem where women can trade with confidence, convenience, and dignity.

The Commissioner-General of the Liberia Immigration Service Republic of Liberia Hon. Elijah F. Rufus yesterday made a courtesy visit to our Secretariat, while on an official visit in . He was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Immigration Officer of the Sierra Leone Immigration Department , Mr. Amadu Bah.
CG Rufus says as immigration officials, they have a critical role to play in keeping the subregion safe.
Our Secretary-General, Amb. Simeon M. N. Moribah said border security sits very high in the Secretariat's priority, as it previously created joint-border units to properly manage borders in the subregion. He mentioned with border issues and other transborder crimes like contraband smuggling, drug trafficking, etc., we encourage coordination and synergy building among govt officials from member states, in order to promote unity, coherence and development within our subregion.
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This morning our Secretary-General, Amb. Simeon M.B Moribah and the professional core of our Secretariat had a meeting with UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s Head of the Africa Bureau Mr. Victor Djemba, who is on a mission to Freetown. He was accompanied by Ms. Matilda C. Muweme, 's Senior Programme Officer in Vienna, and UNIDO's Country Rep for Sierra Leone, Ms. Mariatu A. Swaray

Both teams spoke about possible avenues for collaboration, especially in areas of Women-In-Industry, establishment of the MRU trade corridor, of the MRU Strategy, and other for and .

🎉🇸🇱Happy 65th Independence Day, 🇸🇱🎉
We wish the President, the government and all Sierra Leoneans the best of celebrations, and we pray for continued peace, stability, and inclusive socio‑economic development — leading to lasting wellbeing and prosperity for every citizen and resident.

https://mru.int/en/congratulatory-message-on-the-occasion-of-the-celebration-of-the-65th-independence-anniversary-of-the-republic-of-sierra-leone/ 🇸🇱🤝🌍

Congratulatory Message on the Occasion of the Celebration of the 65th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Sierra Leone - Mano River Union The Mano River Union Secretariat extends its very sincere and warm congratulations;

The Technical Commission on Administration and Finance (TCAF) is a key statutory organ of the Mano River Union (MRU) that brings together experts from the Member States to review the operations of the MRU Secretariat and to examine specific and also emerging issues of sub-regional interest so as to make appropriate recommendations to guide the deliberations of the Mano River Union Ministerial Council (UMC).

The TCAF reviews the administrative and financial management of the MRU Secretariat and its annual operational and programme budget. It also monitors the activities of the Secretariat and provide support and advocacy at the level of the Member States in addressing issues relating to the Mano River Union.

This meeting is held annually on a rotational basis in each of the four MRU Member States. This week, delegates will Review the report and recommendations of the last Ordinary Session of the TCAF held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire in September, 2024; review the report of the just-concluded audit committee meeting, and other administration-related matters.

Ahead of the Union’s Ministerial Council and the Technical Committee Meeting on Administration and Finance (TCAF), the Mano River Union Audit Committee has today commenced an extraordinary session in Freetown.

The Audit Committee is mandated to go through the Secretariat’s books and make necessary observations and recommendations for efficient financial procedures that will inform the proper management and administration of the Secretariat.

Over the next three days, the Committee will focus on reviewing the implementation of recommendations from their last meeting held in September 2024. They will also look the 2024 external audit report and the 2025 internal audit report, and other management issues.

The Audit committee draws representation from all four member-states, presided over by the Chairing member state, the Republic of Guinea.

As a follow up on the joint communique agreements from the extraordinary meeting of MRU Heads of state in Conakry on sub-regional border peace, a special envoy and National Security Advisor to H. E. President Joseph Boakai, Mr. Samuel Kofi Woods, yesterday visited the Mano River Union Secretariat, and had meaningful discussions with our senior management, as we put plans in motion for the statutory heads of state meeting that was scheduled to hold one month following the March 16, 2026 meeting.

Wishing everyone across our subregion a very Happy Easter. 🌷
May this season deliver the stability and prosperity our people truly deserve.

Last Friday, our Secretariat made a presentation of office supplies and electronics to officers at the Guinea-Sierra Leone border crossing point to facilitate and movement of goods and services across the border. The equipment is also meant to verify travel credentials of border users, and ensure joint-security at the border and to track cross-border crimes like smuggling of contraband goods, human trafficking and others.
The presentation was made possible by the African Development Bank Group as part of its support to strengthen MRU border security architecture through the subregional road project, which is implemented by the MRU through its member states.

Abibatu Grace Kargbo (Abi or Biba for short) is one of the longest-standing staff of the MRU Secretariat, embodying stability, trust, and integrity in every aspect of her work. As Finance Assistant, she does far more than manage numbers—she safeguards the systems that keep the Secretariat strong, while shaping the culture through her discipline, dedication, and quiet strength.
As a young graduate of the Milton Margai College of Education, Abi joined the MRU Secretariat in 2010. Over the years, she has become a cornerstone of the team, consistently demonstrating professionalism and reliability. Her colleagues describe her as someone whose wisdom and consistency go far beyond the office walls, influencing not just processes but people.
Beyond her finance role, Abi is deeply passionate about women-empowerment projects. She has often expressed her commitment to advancing opportunities for women and is always ready to provide both financial oversight and advocacy support on the ground. This dual strength—precision in finance and passion for empowerment—makes her a unique and invaluable contributor to the Secretariat’s mission.
Abi’s journey is a testament to the power of quiet leadership. She leads not through titles or fanfare, but through unwavering commitment, consistency, and the wisdom she shares daily. Her influence is felt across systems, projects, and people—making her not just a Finance Assistant, but a true leader within the Secretariat.
We are grateful for Abi—an exceptional leader, a trusted colleague, and a champion for empowerment.

In partnership with Ministry Of Gender, Children And Social Protection-Liberia, Defence for Children International, Plan International Liberia and the Grand Cape Mount Women's Network, the project which is funded by the African Development Bank Group was in to commemorate with the wonderful women of Township in Gola Konneh District, GRAND CAPE MOUNT COUNTY.
Rural women are the true champions of the idea – they are the driving force behind the progress and development of their communities. 💪🌍