The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched four major projects valued at €110 million to promote peace, strengthen regional integration, support institutional reforms, and enhance trade competitiveness across West Africa.
The initiative, unveiled in Abuja on Tuesday, is funded by the European Union (€82.5 million), Germany (€26 million), and other partners. The projects include:
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ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) Project
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Implementation of the AfCFTA/Trade in Services Programme
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Institutional Support to ECOWAS Phase II
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Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Programme
ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Alieu Touray, said the projects align with the bloc’s strategic priorities to reinforce peace and security, boost institutional efficiency, and advance sustainable trade across member states.
“These projects are timely and significant. ECOWAS’ Peace Fund alone requires about $300 million for the implementation of our five-year strategic plan,” Touray noted.
He also addressed concerns regarding the recent exit declarations by some member countries, assuring that trade and free movement will remain unchanged until new agreements are reached.
“We have agreed to maintain the status quo in all areas while we work toward a new framework,” he said, adding that transparency and joint ownership will guide project execution.
German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Annett Günther, emphasized the strength of Europe’s partnership with ECOWAS, noting that the initiative is a reflection of shared values.
“These projects speak to our common commitment to peace, good governance, and economic integration. Trade is a powerful engine of transformation, and countries that trade are less likely to engage in conflict,” she said.
European Union Ambassador to ECOWAS and Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, said the EU views the projects as key to advancing a mutually reinforcing vision of peace, integration, and prosperity in the region.
“The EU’s experience shows that countries working together are stronger and more secure. These projects will empower the private sector, modernize trade systems, and support regional responses to growing security threats,” he said.
Spanish Deputy Head of Mission in Nigeria, Mrs. María Higón Velasco, reaffirmed Spain’s long-standing partnership with ECOWAS, revealing that Spain will contribute €984,000 towards institutional strengthening—a project co-funded with the EU and Germany’s KfW Development Bank for a total of €7.4 million.
Velasco highlighted Spain’s involvement in the Peace, Security and Governance project through the Fiat Foundation, which will help combat disinformation and political violence, particularly around electoral processes.
“These initiatives go beyond financial support. They are strategic investments in West Africa’s future and in building an ECOWAS that leaves no one behind,” Velasco concluded.
The projects, aligned with ECOWAS Vision 2050, are expected to play a critical role in deepening integration, fostering resilience, and promoting a more citizen-centered, secure, and prosperous West Africa.
