ECOWAS targets 2027 launch of ECO, condemns insecurity and backs regional integration

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to launching the long-awaited ECO single currency in 2027, as regional leaders adopted a raft of resolutions aimed at deepening economic integration, improving security and strengthening trade across West Africa.

The decision was reached at the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Lungi, Sierra Leone, where leaders reviewed the bloc’s economic outlook and regional challenges.

In a communiqué issued after the summit, ECOWAS said the ECO remained central to its integration agenda and would initially be adopted by member states that satisfy the agreed macroeconomic convergence criteria, while countries yet to qualify would receive support to meet the requirements.

The regional body also welcomed the successful registration of the name “ECO” with the African Intellectual Property Organisation and directed the ECOWAS Commission to secure similar trademark protection with other regional and international intellectual property institutions.

According to the communiqué, the region’s economies have demonstrated resilience despite global economic headwinds, with a positive outlook for 2026 driven by easing inflation, improving public debt indicators and stronger external balances, although fiscal deficits remain a concern in several member states.

On security, ECOWAS expressed deep concern over persistent terrorist attacks and violent extremism in the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin, approving a revised roadmap for the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Counterterrorism Brigade, which is expected to become fully functional by July 2027.

Member states were urged to settle outstanding Community Levy obligations to ensure adequate funding for the regional security initiative.

The Authority also condemned the growing incidents of banditry, kidnappings and school abductions, particularly in northern Nigeria, while expressing solidarity with the Nigerian government and commending President Bola Tinubu for measures taken to rescue victims and combat insecurity.

ECOWAS further highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation across the region, blaming conflicts, terrorism, displacement, climate-related disasters and food shortages. It directed the Commission to intensify humanitarian interventions and strengthen efforts to mobilise resources for vulnerable populations.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger through the Alliance of Sahel States, extending the mandate of Chief Negotiator Dr Lansana Kouyaté until December 2026.

Food security also featured prominently at the summit, with leaders expressing concern over rising fertiliser costs and their impact on agricultural productivity. They called for accelerated implementation of the ECOWAS Rice Agenda and the Regional Rice Roadmap to reduce dependence on food imports and improve regional food production.

The Authority reiterated its commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment, stressing that regional mobility and cross-border trade remain essential to economic integration.

The summit equally condemned xenophobic attacks against Africans, particularly West Africans, in South Africa, urging the South African government to ensure the safety of foreign nationals and permanently address the problem. It also endorsed Ghana’s proposal to table the issue before the African Union Assembly.

On infrastructure and trade, ECOWAS warned that bilateral trade agreements entered into individually by member states could undermine the regional Customs Union and called for coordinated regional positions during international negotiations.

The leaders also directed the Commission to develop bankable regional infrastructure projects in transport, energy, digital connectivity and water to attract investment from development finance institutions and the private sector.

They welcomed progress on the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, describing it as a strategic initiative capable of boosting energy security, industrialisation and regional integration, while commending cooperation between ECOWAS member states and Morocco on the project.

In the aviation sector, the Authority renewed its commitment to reducing air travel costs within West Africa, applauding Côte d’Ivoire for removing aviation taxes and encouraging other member states to implement similar reforms.

The summit also approved new regional frameworks on cybersecurity, digital governance, electronic communications, data protection and open data, including the establishment of a Regional Cybersecurity Coordination Mechanism.

On governance, ECOWAS adopted a Presidential Declaration on advancing gender parity in political representation and urged member states to strengthen policies that promote greater participation of women in public office.

The Authority commended the peaceful conduct of recent elections in Benin, Guinea, Cabo Verde and Côte d’Ivoire, while urging Guinea-Bissau’s transitional authorities to ensure an inclusive constitutional and electoral process and restore democratic order, with Senegal appointed to facilitate dialogue.

The leaders also paid tribute to China for constructing and donating the new ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja, describing the gesture as a symbol of friendship and support for regional integration.

Among key institutional decisions, the summit appointed General Birame Diop of Senegal as President of the ECOWAS Commission for the 2026-2030 term, endorsed Sierra Leone’s bid for a seat on the International Court of Justice and elected Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for a one-year tenure.