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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), together with the European Union (EU), Germany, and Spain, has launched four major development programmes worth over €105 million to drive regional integration, boost trade, enhance peace and security, and strengthen institutional capacity across the ECOWAS region.
The new initiatives—co-financed by the EU, Germany, and Spain—were officially launched at a high-level event at the ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, attended by over 80 senior officials, development partners, and international agencies.
Implemented by a consortium of development organizations including GIZ, AECID, UNIDO, ITC, Expertise France, and FIAP, these programmes aim to support the ECOWAS Vision 2050, promote sustainable development, and align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the EU Global Gateway.
“The projects launched today are a testament to the strong and coordinated German and European partnership with ECOWAS,” said H.E. Annett Günther, German Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS.
Overview of the Four Flagship Programmes:
1. Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) – ECOWAS (€50 million)
Jointly implemented by UNIDO and ITC, this EU-funded initiative aims to enhance intra-African trade and Africa–EU trade by improving market access and value chain competitiveness for West African businesses—especially women- and youth-led SMEs. The project will align local products with international standards and expand export opportunities.
2. Support for the Implementation of AfCFTA in ECOWAS (€20.5 million)
Implemented by GIZ, this programme supports trade in services liberalization and policy development, focusing on data analysis, capacity-building for public and private stakeholders, and increasing regional services exports in priority sectors under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
3. EU Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security, and Governance (EPSG) (€27.25 million)
This initiative, led by GIZ, Expertise France, and FIAP, enhances early conflict detection, security sector reforms, inclusive peacebuilding, and democratic governance. The programme strengthens ECOWAS’ capacity to address regional security challenges and engage with civil society actors to promote peace and stability.
4. Organisational Development / Institutional Support to ECOWAS – Phase II (OD/ISE II) (€14.984 million)
Implemented by GIZ and AECID, this technical assistance programme builds on the achievements of Phase I and supports internal reforms within ECOWAS and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID). The focus is on improved processes, leadership development, gender sensitivity, and enhancing impact communication with member states.
Voices of Partnership and Support
“These initiatives reflect the European Union’s steadfast commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated West Africa,” said Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS.
“Together, we will unlock market access and build the competitiveness of small businesses in line with the AfCFTA,” added Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of ITC.
“We’re empowering women and youth while building a region of peace, stability, and economic opportunity,” said Dr. Markus Wagner, GIZ Nigeria Country Director.
“Fair trade, sustainability, and regional integration are essential for job creation and poverty reduction,” emphasized Gerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO.
A Milestone in Regional Collaboration
This high-level launch coincided with the ECOWAS 50th anniversary celebrations, reinforcing the shared commitment of West African and European stakeholders to build a resilient, integrated, and secure region. Participants included African Union officials, EU Member States, ECOWAS ambassadors, UN agencies, and civil society representatives.
“Let us focus on delivery and concrete results on the ground,” said Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission. “I look forward to a more fruitful and successful future for West Africa.”
