The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission officially launched Phase II of the Pan-African Consortium for Master’s Degrees in Translation and Conference Interpreting (PAMCIT) on Friday, 14 November 2025. The ceremony took place at the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) headquarters in Lomé, Togo. Scholarships were awarded to students from Gaston Berger University, Senegal, and the University of Lomé, Togo, received technical support to enhance degree programs in Translation and Conference Interpreting.
Strengthening African Language Expertise
Dr. George Agyekum Donkor and Mr. Lagnie Bambimle emphasized the importance of PAMCIT II in preparing students to become experts capable of working in international organisations. The programme aims to reduce dependence on foreign expertise while promoting local talent.
The event, themed “Promoting regional integration: institutional and academic cooperation in the service of multilingualism,” formed part of ECOWAS’ 50th-anniversary celebrations. Chaired by H.E. Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja, Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, it was attended by Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, H.E. Madam Deweh Emily Gray (ECOWAS Resident Representative in Togo), Mr. Lagnie Bambimle, and Mrs. Olukemi Robinson-Atabuh, Director of Conference and Protocol at ECOWAS and institutional chair of PAMCIT II, alongside representatives from partner universities.
Scholarships and Technical Support for Students
In her launch speech, H.E. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to PAMCIT II by awarding scholarships to deserving West African students. She highlighted support for the University of Lomé, including teacher mobility, curriculum harmonization, and ensuring consistent degree standards across universities.
Ms. Olukemi Robinson-Atabuh praised ECOWAS officials, including the President of the Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, for prioritizing PAMCIT II and increasing funding programs for youth. She emphasized that “for decades, our continent has relied on external institutions for professional training of interpreters and translators,” highlighting the importance of multilingual interpretation courses in building Africa’s self-reliance.
Translators and Interpreters: Architects of Dialogue
Vice President Tchintchibidja noted, “Translation and interpreting go beyond words and speeches. Translators and interpreters build bridges and foster dialogue between cultures. With PAMCIT II, we invest in the interpreters of our aspirations and translators of our common destiny. They facilitate cooperation and dialogue across the continent.”
ECOWAS will coordinate the PAMCIT Task Force, focusing on curriculum harmonization, trainer mobility, and technical support from partner universities, particularly the University of Lomé.
Promoting Regional Integration Through Language
Mr. Alphousseyni Diamanka, ECOWAS language coordinator, stressed that PAMCIT aligns with the mission to foster regional integration, peace, and development via multilingual dialogue. In West Africa’s linguistically diverse environment, the programme equips professionals with essential skills for diplomacy, trade, governance, peace, and security.
Vice President Tchintchibidja expressed hope that PAMCIT II would mark a turning point in African multilingual education. “With PAMCIT, Africa affirms that multilingualism is a bridge to unity, knowledge, and progress,” she concluded.
A Pan-African Network of Universities
PAMCIT is implemented by a network of African universities offering Master’s degrees in Conference Interpreting and Translation. Current member institutions include:
- Gaston Berger University, Senegal
- University of Ghana, Legon
- Universidade Jean-Piaget, Cabo Verde
- University of Lomé, Togo
- University of Buea, Cameroon
- University of Nairobi, Kenya
- Universidade Pedagógica de Moçambique, Mozambique
Launched in 2009 with support from the European Union and the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON), PAMCIT equips African language professionals with skills to serve international organisations, regional bodies like ECOWAS and the African Union, and other multilingual institutions—reducing the need for overseas training.
This initiative directly enhances pan-African translation skills, empowering young Africans to thrive in global multilingual settings.
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This story was first reported by APO Group on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Read the full article here.
