Latest news with #ECOWASVision2050
Zawya
25-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Launches Regional E-Commerce Committee to Accelerate Digital Trade Integration
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially launched the Regional E-Commerce Committee, marking another milestone in the implementation of the ECOWAS Regional E-Commerce Strategy (2023–2027) on Wednesday July 16th, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. The launch was immediately followed by the Committee's first meeting, which brought together representatives from Member States and Community institutions. In his opening remarks during the launch ceremony, Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, the Acting Director of Private Sector, ECOWAS Commission highlighted the private sector as both a key driver and beneficiary of digital transformation. He stressed the significance of e-commerce in unlocking opportunities under African Continental Free Trade Agreement and called for robust implementation of digital reforms. He described the establishment of the Regional E-Commerce Committee as pivotal to fostering private-sector-led digital economies. Madam Sally Koroma, the representative of the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chair of the Meeting emphasized the potential of e-commerce to boost inclusive growth. She highlighted the importance of harmonized regulations, secure infrastructure, digital literacy, and tailored financing to unlock the full benefits of digital trade. She commended the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy as critical to addressing these barriers and called for collective action among Member States, development partners, and the private sector to move from ambition to implementation, and build an inclusive, gender-responsive digital economy. In his goodwill message, Mr. Pedro Manuel Moreno, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) congratulated ECOWAS on its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of regional cooperation. He celebrated the adoption of the ECOWAS Regional E-Commerce Strategy and highlighted the role of digitalisation in realizing ECOWAS Vision 2050. He reaffirmed UNCTAD's commitment to support digital reform, encourage inclusive digital ecosystems, and advance women's economic empowerment within the region. He closed with a call to action to make e-commerce a driver of prosperity, innovation, and regional unity. In the keynote address, on behalf of Madame Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mr. Kolawole SOFOLA, Director of Trade of the ECOWAS Commission, underscored the significance of the launch of the Regional E-Commerce Committee during the 50th Anniversary celebrations of ECOWAS, noting the progress that had been made in advancing regional integration and the opportunities that lay ahead through digitalisation. He emphasized that the Committee would serve as a platform for implementing strategic goals, aligning policies, and accelerating digital trade across borders. Mr. Sofola called for continued collaboration across all stakeholders to realise the Strategy's vision of an inclusive and sustainable digital future for West Africa. Finally, he declared the ECOWAS Regional E-Commerce Committee launched. The newly established Committee is a central feature of the governance framework outlined in the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy, which was adopted by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in July 2023. It is designed to steer the implementation of digital trade reforms, foster inter-institutional coordination, and promote inclusive participation across the region, particularly of women, youth, and MSMEs. The launch and first meeting were attended by representatives of the Ministries responsible for Trade from ECOWAS Member States and the internal working group on e-commerce, consisting of key directorates and agencies of the ECOWAS Commission. Prior to the launch, the internal working group on e-commerce received a training on the e-Trade Reform Tracker, a tool for monitoring implementation of the E-Commerce Strategy. Both activities were supported by the UNCTAD and the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP) funded by World Bank. The meeting considered the overview of the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy, continental and regional digital initiatives as well as key initiatives from Member States in advancing e-commerce. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the terms of reference for the Committee and a call for continued collaboration among ECOWAS Member States to promote implementation of the E-Commerce Strategy. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
29-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
The Secretary-General notes that, over the past five decades, ECOWAS has played a vital role in advancing economic cooperation, regional integration, and peace and stability in this rich and vibrant region. From free movement of people and trade liberalization to regional infrastructure projects, conflict resolution, and contributions to peacekeeping, ECOWAS has made remarkable strides towards achieving its vision of an integrated Community of peoples in a peaceful and prosperous region. The Secretary-General recognizes the strong institutional partnership between the United Nations and ECOWAS, as exemplified by several joint initiatives in the region, including through the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and the broader United Nations system. He encourages continued cooperation to preserve hard-won regional gains and mobilize international support to address the challenges and needs of the region. The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to ECOWAS, including in support to regional efforts to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the ECOWAS Vision 2050 of an 'ECOWAS of the Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All'. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
05-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Representation in Benin Organizes a Conference-Debate at the University of Parakou to Mark 50 Years of ECOWAS
On February 21, 2025, the ECOWAS Representation in Benin organized a high-level conference-debate under the theme: '50 Years of ECOWAS: Achievements, Gains, Challenges, Issues, and Perspectives for the Full Realization of ECOWAS of the Peoples.' The event provided a platform for engagement with academia and civil society, fostering discussions on the current challenges to fully achieving ECOWAS of the Peoples and assessing the impact of ECOWAS over the past five decades on the populations of West Africa, particularly in Benin. The conference brought together key stakeholders, including Ambassador Amadou DIONGUE, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin; Mr. Faustin GUIDI, Director of Regional Economic Integration and Head of the ECOWAS National Office; Ms. Souradjatou Aminatou GANIYI, Head of the Sub-Saharan Africa and African Integration Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Professor Bertrand SOGBOSSI BOCCO, Rector of the University of Parakou, alongside the university's academic leadership. On this occasion, the official Commemoration of ECOWAS' 50th Anniversary in Benin was launched in the presence of faculty members and students of the University of Parakou. The conference-debate was structured into two sessions. The opening session featured welcome remarks by the Vice-Rector, Professor Yvette ONIBON DOUBOGAN, followed by statements from the Head of the ECOWAS National Office in Benin, Mr. Faustin GUIDI; the ECOWAS Resident Representative, H.E. Ambassador Amadou DIONGUE; and the Rector of the University of Parakou, Professor Bertrand SOGBOSSI BOCCO. The second session comprised an expert panel discussion moderated by the Vice-Rector, with insightful contributions from the Resident Representative, the Rector, the Head of the ECOWAS National Office, the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vice-President of the Laboratory for Regional Analysis and Social Expertise (LARES), Professor Alix Servais AFOUDA, who also serves as the lead consultant for the National Youth Meetings of ECOWAS in Benin, and Dr. Laurent OLOUKOI, an expert in International Economics. With over 300 participants in attendance, discussions were marked by in-depth analyses of key regional issues, including the withdrawal of three countries from the AES, the free movement of people and goods, the single currency project, financial integration, as well as concerns related to peace, security, governance, and regional development. The conference underscored the critical role of informed dialogue with youth in countering misinformation and strengthening awareness of ECOWAS' mandate. At the conclusion of the conference, participants left with a deeper understanding of ECOWAS' objectives, vision, achievements, and future prospects in line with the ECOWAS Vision 2050, which is anchored in the 4×4 Strategic Objectives of the 2022-2026 Management Plan, under the leadership of Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EBID, EIB announce $105mln partnership to boost climate action in ECOWAS region
THE ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with support from the European Union (EU), have announced a €100 million financial partnership to promote climate action and environmental sustainability projects across the ECOWAS region. The agreement, signed on Friday, February 28, 2025, marks the EIB's first collaboration with EBID, underscoring both institutions' commitment to sustainable development in West Africa. The €100 million credit line is part of a larger €150 million financing envelope and will fund projects that address climate change, promote environmental sustainability, and boost economic growth. The initiative is expected to fill the financing gap in key sectors, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and water treatment, contributing to poverty reduction and improved livelihoods in the ECOWAS region. 'This partnership demonstrates EBID's commitment to supporting regional member countries' access to sustainable sources of finance,' said Dr. Mory Soumahoro, EBID Vice President of Risk and Control. The facility will particularly support small and medium-sized photovoltaic solar projects, clean energy solutions, and environmental conservation initiatives that align with the region's climate mitigation strategies. The initiative aligns with the strategic priorities of the ECOWAS region, including the ECOWAS Vision 2050, which focuses on environmental protection, private sector development, and regional integration. The project also supports the ECOWAS Regional Climate Strategy and the 2022-2030 Action Plan, aimed at building climate resilience across West Africa. The partnership contributes directly to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7); Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6); Sustainable Agriculture (SDG 2); Health and Quality Education (SDG 3 and SDG 4). 'This operation will help bridge the financial gap in this region while contributing to poverty reduction and improving daily lives,' said Ambroise Fayolle, EIB Vice-President. 'Through EIB Global, we aim to support the EU's Global Gateway Initiative and key sectors such as renewable energy, digital economy, agriculture, and transport.' The Global Gateway strategy is the EU's model for building stronger, more resilient connections with partner regions. The EIB is a key player in this initiative, aiming to support €100 billion in investments by 2027 — approximately one-third of the strategy's total target. Highlighting the partnership's significance, Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, said: 'More than half a billion people in Africa still lack access to electricity. Our long-standing goal is to change that. This partnership is a clear demonstration of our commitment to supporting sustainable development and climate action in Africa. By mobilising €300 million for clean energy projects, we are empowering people in the ECOWAS region to build a greener and more prosperous future.' The EIB loan will be accompanied by a technical assistance program that provides training and capacity building for climate action-focused projects. The program is aligned with the EIB and EBID's broader initiatives supporting sustainable infrastructure, innovation, and environmental protection. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the financing institution of the EU, supporting projects that contribute to the Union's key objectives. EIB Global, its specialist arm for international partnerships, aims to strengthen the impact of development finance by supporting the Global Gateway Initiative and working with local institutions to promote sustainable investments. The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) is the financial arm of ECOWAS, dedicated to financing development projects that promote regional integration and economic development across West Africa. The partnership between EBID, EIB, and the EU represents a major step in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development in the ECOWAS region. As projects under this facility take off, the collaboration is expected to not only bridge financing gaps but also improve livelihoods, create jobs, and support a greener, more resilient future for West Africa.
