Latest news with #FreeMovementProtocol
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Leaders Launch the Celebrations of 50th Anniversary in Accra
The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) launches the beginig of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the regional bloc today, April 22, 2025, in Accra, Ghana. Welcoming dignitaries to the Golden Jubilee launch, H.E. Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ghana, reaffirmed Ghana's unwavering commitment to the political and economic liberation of West Africa and the deeper integration of the region. 'Fifty years on, ECOWAS has every reason to celebrate its evolvement from a modest economic cooperation framework into a dynamic, multifaceted regional community, championing not only economic integration but also peace, security and social development,' he stated. In his address, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted the Community's progress in peacekeeping, integration, trade liberalisation, infrastructure, and energy access. He cited key milestones such as the Free Movement Protocol, the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme—benefiting over 15,000 companies—and strategic infrastructure projects like the Lagos–Abidjan and Abidjan–Praia corridors. He also lauded ECOWAS's peace efforts in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d'Ivoire, and The Gambia, noting the milestone of zero piracy incidents in 2024. 'Our objective is to celebrate, reflect and recalibrate our community,' Dr. Touray stated. He called for stronger collaboration to overcome trade and infrastructure challenges, tackle security threats, and unlock the full potential of ECOWAS's 400 million-strong market through strategic investment and regional cooperation. Delivering a message on behalf of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, H.E. Ambassador (Mrs.) Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, paid tribute to five decades of regional unity and progress while urging Member States to embrace the moment for renewal. 'This moment calls for a renewed commitment to fostering unity and solidarity among Member States,' he declared. He reaffirmed Nigeria's dedication to democracy and regional solidarity, calling for stronger institutions, youth empowerment, and accelerated integration through a single currency and enhanced infrastructure. In his opening statement, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, emphasized the need for ECOWAS to remain connected to the people it serves, stating that 'community citizens must feel that ECOWAS is not just some bureaucracy but a living organisation that understands their hopes and aspirations.' Underscoring Ghana's commitment to youth empowerment and regional solidarity, President Mahama announced the provision of 1,000 scholarships for young people from across the ECOWAS Region to pursue higher education in Ghanaian universities, a move aimed at expanding educational opportunities and fostering a new generation of West African leaders. Heads of State and Government of fifteen West African Countries established ECOWAS when they signed the ECOWAS Treaty on May 28, 1975, in Lagos, Nigeria. The Treaty was signed by Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Extraordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers on the Contingency Plan and Modalities on the Withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Republics of Mali and Niger from ECOWAS Holds in Accra
The Extraordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the contingency plan and modalities on the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Republics of Mali and Niger from ECOWAS holds from April 22 to 23, 2025, in Accra, Ghana. The meeting, mandated by the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, is expected to consider contingency plans and separation modalities, including the impact on programs, the relocation of institutions, and the continued free movement of people and goods across the region. Welcoming delegates, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ghana, reaffirmed Ghana's dedication to the political and economic integration of West Africa. He praised the 50-year journey of ECOWAS and thanked the Authority of Heads of State and Government for entrusting Ghana with hosting the session. The meeting, he noted, is focused solely on discussing contingency plans following the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. 'Though relations may be severed on paper, the realities on the ground tell a different story,' he stated, emphasising the deep cultural and economic ties that bind West Africans. Hon. Ablakwa called for wisdom, tact, and unity in navigating this sensitive period and reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to working closely with all Member States and the ECOWAS Commission to safeguard regional cohesion and the well-being of all citizens. In his speech, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, reaffirmed the Community's commitment to safeguarding its core values amid the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. He noted that while these countries have benefitted from longstanding integration efforts—such as the Free Movement Protocol, ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), and cross-sector regional development programs—their exit, effective 29 January 2025, requires a coordinated response. 'This meeting is expected to consider and agree on our future relations with the AES countries,' President Touray stated. He outlined the contingency plan developed across ECOWAS institutions, covering five critical areas: legal and institutional adjustments; market access and economic integration; peace and security cooperation; sectoral development programs; and human development, including education and health. He expressed confidence that all deliberations would be guided by the overarching goal of safeguarding the wellbeing of the region's people. H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, opened the Extraordinary Session of the Council with a call for unity and resilience as ECOWAS deliberates the unprecedented withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc. While acknowledging the sovereignty of the departing states, Ambassador Tuggar urged Member States to remain focused on the long-term vision of regional integration and cooperation. He concluded by encouraging constructive deliberations and reaffirmed the Council's determination to protect and strengthen the ECOWAS legacy for future generations. Burkina Faso and the Republics of Mali and Niger officially withdrew from ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, following the completion of a one-year notice period. This action was taken in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Revised ECOWAS Treaty of 1993, which governs the withdrawal of membership by Member States. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Zawya
25-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa: Experts meet to validate report on labour mobility and free movement
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), is organizing a regional workshop in Mombasa, Kenya from 26 to 27 March 2025 to review and validate a consolidated report on enhancing free movement of persons, labour mobility, and skills portability in Africa. The event forms part of a joint ECA-AUC project aimed at promoting regular migration pathways across the continent and addressing institutional and policy barriers that limit labour mobility. Focused on Ghana, Kenya, and Zambia, the report distills findings from national studies and stakeholder consultations, with practical recommendations for advancing implementation of the AU Protocol on Free Movement of Persons and aligning it with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Participants will include government officials, migration experts, civil society representatives, regional bodies, and international partners. The two-day workshop will also serve as a platform for exchanging experiences and strengthening momentum toward the ratification and operationalization of the Free Movement Protocol. This initiative is part of a wider continental effort to reshape narratives around African migration, maximize its development benefits, and unlock the full potential of intra-African mobility. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
