In a bid to bolster peace, security, and economic integration across West Africa, the European Union, alongside the governments of Spain and Germany, has earmarked €110 million to fund four major multi-sectoral initiatives within the Economic Community of West African States.
President of ECOWAS, Dr. Omar Touray, unveiled the projects during a launch event in Abuja.
He emphasized that the initiatives are tailored to strengthen governance, institutional development, peace, security, and trade cooperation across member states.
“The projects seek to strengthen regional peace and stability, as well as support institutional reforms and trade within the community. The projects align with ECOWAS strategy orientations,” Touray stated.
The four targeted initiatives include the ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance Project, the Institutional Support Project, the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Project, and the African Country Trade and Services.
Highlighting the financial commitment, Touray added, “The budget of these projects is 110 million euros, coming from the EU, Germany and Spain. We are grateful for these funds, for the continued and multiple support towards these four projects, because the objectives pursued through these four projects are vital to ECOWAS and ECOWAS members.”
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In a related development, the ECOWAS president addressed the current diplomatic situation with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, which withdrew from the regional bloc in January 2025 following coups that disrupted democratic governance.
Despite their exit and the formation of a new regional coalition known as the Alliance of Sahel States, which now uses a unified travel document, Touray announced that ECOWAS will continue to uphold the principles of free movement and trade with the three nations.
“We have agreed that until we adopt a new agreement, we will maintain the status quo in all areas. Status quo in the area of trade, status quo in the area of free movement,” he said, referencing a resolution made during a meeting held in Accra, Ghana, in April 2025.
Touray underscored that the well-being of West African citizens remains the organization’s top priority.
The project launch featured collaboration with several international partners, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Expertise France, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, the International Trade Centre and the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies.
