THE PRESIDENT OF ECOWAS COMMISSION PRESENTS PROGRESS REPORT ON REGIONAL INTEGRATION, SECURITY AND ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION TO THE 2026 FIRST ORDINARY SESSION OF THE ECOWAS PARLIAMENT IN ABUJA

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, has presented an update on the implementation of the ECOWAS Community Work Programme to the 2026 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja, highlighting significant progress in economic recovery, regional integration, governance, peace and security, and human development across West Africa.

The report highlighted the implementation of ECOWAS programmes and significant progress recorded against the backdrop of global and regional political and economic headwinds. It covered areas of peace, security democracy and governance; regional and economic integration; inclusive and sustainable development; media and communication, humanitarian and disaster management; social inclusion and public health; digital transformation; food and nutrition security; and institutional reforms across West Africa.

“This Ordinary Session is very special to me because this is the last presentation I will be making to this Honourable Parliament as my tenure as the President of the Commission will end by August this year.” — H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY

Addressing Members of Parliament, Dr. TOURAY commended the ECOWAS Parliament for its steadfast commitment to democracy, accountability, and regional integration, describing it as the “authentic voice of the peoples of West Africa.” He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with Parliament to ensure effective oversight, inclusive policymaking, and accelerated implementation of Community programmes.

While noting that the full report is still being finalised, he presented an executive summary of key achievements and emerging priorities across the region. On the economic front, the ECOWAS President reported that despite persistent global headwinds, including geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and supply chain disruptions, West Africa’s economies demonstrated resilience in 2025, with regional growth rising from 4.3% in 2024 to 4.8% in 2025.

Growth is projected to reach 5.0% in 2026, supported by improved macroeconomic stability, increased trade, and stronger commodity exports. Inflation declined significantly from 24.5% to 16.5%, while fiscal deficits and public debt levels also improved, reflecting stronger policy coordination and reform efforts across Member States.

“In the area of communication, over 500 journalists across the region were trained on combating disinformation and its impact on peace and stability. The ECOWAS Information and Communication Policy have been modernised to address social media, artificial intelligence, misinformation, and disinformation. We also supported The Gambia in establishing its National Response Centre to Combat Misinformation, the first of its kind in the region. Furthermore, ECOWAS adopted an Inter-Institutional Communication Strategy for 2026–2030 to ensure that our institutions communicate with one voice and bring the achievements of ECOWAS closer to our citizens.” — H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY

In the area of peace and security, Dr. Touray highlighted intensified ECOWAS engagement in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and electoral support, including successful deployments of observer missions in Benin, Guinea, and Cabo Verde. He also underscored progress toward the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Regional Counterterrorism Force and strengthened regional mechanisms for maritime security, police cooperation, and border management, aimed at addressing terrorism, organised crime, and illicit trafficking.

The ECOWAS President further announced continued dialogue with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger under the framework of the Alliance of Sahel States, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to keeping channels of communication open and preserving regional solidarity. He emphasized that ECOWAS remains committed to dialogue and to the long-term unity of West African peoples.

On regional integration and trade, Dr. Touray noted progress in implementing the ECOWAS Free Trade Area, Customs Union, and Common Market, as well as alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He highlighted efforts to remove non-tariff barriers, digitalise customs systems, and promote women and youth participation in trade.

Additionally, over 150 SMEs and women entrepreneurs have benefited from digital trade training and empowerment programmes. In the social sector, the ECOWAS Commission reported that over 5.3 million vulnerable persons received humanitarian assistance, including displaced populations and children affected by malnutrition.

Key initiatives in education, youth empowerment, and employment creation were also highlighted, including the deployment of young graduates through the ECOWAS Academic Mobility Scheme and new private sector immersion programmes. Dr. TOURAY also noted major advances in digital transformation, cybersecurity, e-governance, and regional infrastructure, including submarine cable projects and railway development aimed at improving connectivity and economic competitiveness across West Africa.

“The Commission, for its part, reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability, and results-based management. We will continue to engage Parliament as a partner in governance, to share information, to respond to scrutiny, and to work together in the supreme interest of our Community. West Africa’s moment is now. With unity of purpose, political will, and the enduring strength of our collective institutions, I am confident that we shall continue to build a Community that is peaceful, prosperous, and worthy of the people it represents.” — H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY

The ECOWAS President called on the Parliament to strengthen its oversight role, support the timely mobilisation of Community resources, and continue championing policies that deepen integration and protect the interests of West African citizens. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and results-based delivery.

“The challenges before us are real, but so too are our collective strengths and aspirations. With unity of purpose, ECOWAS will continue to build a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient West Africa.” — H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY

In her remarks, the Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Memounatou IBRAHIMA, thanked the ECOWAS Commission President for always honouring their invitation. She also commended Dr. TOURAY for his dedicated service to the Community throughout his tenure.

Hon. IBRAHIMA also presented a plaque of honour to the ECOWAS Commission President in recognition of his meritorious service to West Africa. Dr. TOURAY called on Member States, regional institutions and citizens to unite behind the ECOWAS vision of a peaceful, secure and economically integrated West Africa.

He stressed that despite evolving global and regional challenges, the Community remains resilient and determined to accelerate development, strengthen democratic governance, expand opportunities for youth and women, and deliver tangible benefits to over 400 million West Africans.