West Africa is a vibrant and diverse region located in the western part of the African continent, known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and dynamic mix of languages, traditions, and ethnic groups. Comprised of 16 countries — including Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, and others — West Africa is home to more than 400 million people, representing a wide variety of cultures, religions, and lifestyles.
The region boasts a wealth of art, music, and dance, with global recognition for its rich traditions, including Afrobeat music, griot storytelling, and colorful festivals.
Known also for tis diverse landscapes, ranging from savannahs and arid deserts to lush coastal forests and plains, West Africa presents diverse development opportunities, particularly in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, health, and technology. The region’s rich natural resources, including agricultural products, minerals, and energy sources, offer significant potential for economic growth.
However, West Africa faces numerous challenges, including poverty, low life expectancy, food insecurity, inadequate social and economic infrastructure, political instability and armed conflicts, water scarcity, and climate change. These interlinked problems affect the poor and needy the most and raise the need for interaction to sow prosperity for all in West Africa. Indeed, future in West Africa depends on addressing vulnerabilities and harnessing opportunities for impact investing, citizen participation, regional integration and resilience. The Tabe Jeanne Foundation is committed to this future and is creating fertile ground for the desired future in West Africa.