Mam Cherno Jallow has officially assumed the role of Director General of the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), effective September 1, 2026.
The appointment was made by the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State and Government during its 69th Ordinary Session held on July 19, 2026, in Lungi, Sierra Leone.
Jallow, an economist and financial specialist with more than 35 years of experience across public, private, and regional sectors, brings a background in strategic planning, administrative and financial management, resource mobilization, economic cooperation, and private sector development.
He joined GIABA in January 2022 as Head of Strategic Planning and Resource Mobilization, where he contributed to the institution’s strategic directions. Since January 2024, he served as Acting Director of Administration and Finance, overseeing administrative and financial matters.
Before his time at GIABA, Jallow held senior positions at the ECOWAS Commission, focusing on strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, and cooperation with international partners. He also led organizations promoting private sector development and trade in West Africa.
Jallow holds an MBA in Banking and Finance from the African Center for Higher Studies in Management (CESAG) in Dakar and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the International Islamic University of Kuala Lumpur.
He has also received training in anti-money laundering. In 2010, he was honored as a Member of the Order of the Republic of The Gambia (MRG).
His appointment comes as West African nations continue to face evolving challenges related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.
Under Jallow’s leadership, GIABA is expected to continue strengthening national anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and counter-proliferation financing frameworks, supporting member states in implementing international standards, and enhancing regional and international cooperation.
GIABA reaffirmed its commitment to its mission of serving member states and contributing to the integrity and resilience of West Africa’s financial and economic systems.