Western (Franco Phone)
It was not until 2016 that this region was formed in order to reach the French speaking countries in Western Africa and beyond. Language barriers had hampered the growth and expansion of the church. Special emphasis has since been placed in strengthening the countries in this region and to extend God’s Kingdom.
"Timothy" & Jeanette Koami Gbo
Francophone West Africa refers to the group of West African countries where French is the official or widely spoken language, due to their colonial history with France. These countries typically include: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. For technical reasons, Senegal is not yet included and Chad has been placed under our region, as well as Sudan.
These nations share cultural, linguistic, and historical ties, and often collaborate through regional organizations such as ECOWAS and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). Francophone West Africa is known for its rich traditions, vibrant cultures, and growing influence in areas such as education, religion, and economic development.
The region was created by World Mission in September 2018 by the recommandations of Peter Thomas and David Mills. Today the Church of God West Africa francophone has more than 300 pastors, more than 400 churches and more than 29000 members.
Statistics speak for themselves
Regional Superintendent
Koami Afelete Gbo, also known as Timothy Gbo, was born on August 7, 1976. He was born into a family that practiced idol worship. He grew up in Lomé, where he completed both his primary and secondary education.
Like many boys of his generation, he developed a passion for soccer, martial arts, and dancing. After resisting the gospel for many years, he finally surrendered his life to Christ on August 12, 1992. Just a few days before that, he had fallen seriously ill and was alone at home. Gripped by the fear of death, he prayed to God for healing and promised to join the church if he recovered. His prayer was answered instantly.
In order to keep his promise, he went to the church. There, he came to understand the gospel, believed in it, and confessed Christ as his Savior.
Today, Timothy serves as the Superintendent of Francophone West Africa. He is deeply passionate about prayer and discipleship, with a particular focus on youth and children’s ministry.
Vision Statement for the Region
To be a Spirit-empowered, Christ-centered movement transforming lives across Francophone West Africa through holistic ministry, fostering spiritual growth, leadership development, and community transformation, raising a new generation of godly youth and children equipped for kingdom impact and self-sustaining purpose.
Mission Statement for the Region
We exist to fulfill the Great Commission in Francophone West Africa by:
- Proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ with power and compassion across cities, towns, and villages.
- Nurturing holistic transformation through spiritual, emotional, physical, and socio-economic development initiatives.
- Empowering youth and children with biblical values, leadership skills, and vocational training to become agents of change in their communities.
- In Promoting self-development through discipleship, education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable missions that strengthen individuals and churches.
- Planting and equipping churches to serve as hubs of worship, discipleship, and community service in every nation and territory in the region.
Youth Vision Statement
To raise a generation of young Spirit-epowered disciples who are Christ-centered, Kingdom connectors, mission-minded , and agents of transformation in their communities and beyond.
Youth Mission Statement
To disciple, equip, and mobilize African youth through the power of the Holy Spirit, biblical teaching, and leadership development, so that they may badly live out the Gospel, serve their nations , and fulfill the Great Commission in Africa and the world.
Benin
Pierre Agbo Kodoe
National Overseer
Burkina Faso
Bazie Abel
National Overseer
Guinea Conakry
Maxime Zaoro Dopavogui
National Overseer
Ivory Coast
Toeson Saygbe Diggs
National Overseer
Mali
Maxime Tchekpe
National Overseer
Niger
Aftikous Mamathe & Judith
National Overseer
Chad
Kolyang Godwa
National Overseer
Togo
Yao Dimado
National Overseer
Find out how you can get involved?
The work of CoGWM – Africa can be supported by prayer!
For those who would like to support this ministry financially, can do so by sending their donations to Church of God World Missions –
Project: African Harvest #73 10273