ECOWAS, EU, Germany, and Spain Launch €110m Projects for West African Development
Oru Leonard
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has partnered with the European Union (EU), Germany, and Spain to launch four projects worth €110 million, aimed at enhancing peace, security, economic integration, and institutional development in West Africa. These initiatives were unveiled at a high-level event held at the ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, bringing together over 80 senior officials and development partners.
The projects seek to strengthen regional peace and stability, support institutional reforms, and promote trade within the ECOWAS community.
The European Union has committed €82.5 million, Germany €26 million, and other partners will cover the remaining amount.
The projects will be implemented by international development agencies, including GIZ, UNIDO, ITC, AECID, Expertise France, and Fundación FIAP.
“These projects are expected to contribute significantly to the region’s development by supporting trade within the community and strengthening ECOWAS’ strategic orientations”, Said Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, ECOWAS Commission President, during his remarks.
Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador noted that the initiatives reflect the EU’s commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated West Africa, focusing on governance, institutional capacity, and regional trade.
-Annett Günther, German Ambassador also said “Trade and services are a key driver of employment and innovation and a powerful lever for economic transformation.”
Speaking also, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Spanish Embassy in Nigeria, Mrs. María Higón Velasco commended ECOWAS for its leadership in regional cooperation and reiterated Spain’s support through AECID’s ongoing partnership with the Commission.
She stated that the initiatives would help deepen coordination with member states and development partners, in line with the ECOWAS-AECID Work Programme 2025–2028.
Projects will include:
– Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Programme which aims to increase sustainable Africa-EU and intra-African trade by improving market access and enhancing trade competitiveness of West African businesses.
– Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG), which provides technical and financial support to ECOWAS for strengthening regional peace, security, and democratic governance.
– Organisational Development/ Institutional Support to ECOWAS Phase II which supports internal reforms by the ECOWAS Commission and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development.
– Implementation of the AfCFTA/Trade in Services Programme to assist ECOWAS in strengthening key implementation frameworks for trade in services.