Celebrating 50 Years of ECOWAS: A Legacy Worth Remembering
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Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, recently articulated a powerful sentiment during the launch of the community’s 50th anniversary celebrations in Accra, Ghana. “The achievements of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over five decades are not only worthy of recognition but also worthy of celebration,” he asserted, emphasizing that our journey has been far more impactful than many might realize.
In a political and economic landscape that often appears daunting, Dr. Touray’s call to acknowledge the milestones of ECOWAS is both timely and significant. “In the current context, many would be forgiven for asking if there is anything about ECOWAS that should be celebrated,” he acknowledged. Yet, he countered this doubt with a firm “yes.” This juxtaposition raises an intriguing question: Can we appreciate the nuances of progress, even amidst significant challenges?
ECOWAS, often celebrated as the most integrated regional bloc on the African continent, stands as a testament to collaboration and unity. Dr. Touray cited the Free Movement Protocol, a pivotal achievement that allows citizens of member states to travel, live, and work across borders without the need for a visa. Imagine a world where the bureaucratic barriers that hinder movement melt away; this vision is already a reality within ECOWAS, fostering a deeper sense of community among West African nations.
Referencing the obstacles that entrepreneurs like Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote have faced, Dr. Touray quipped, “Thank God, no ECOWAS member state is among the countries that require Mr. Dangote to hassle.” Such light-hearted commentary underscores a profound truth: seamless trade among member states not only boosts individual businesses but strengthens the collective economy.
Another noteworthy initiative is the Interconnected System for the Management of Goods in Transit (SIGMAT), which is now operational in seven member countries. This innovative solution minimizes customs delays and enhances logistics, illustrating ECOWAS’s commitment to modernizing trade practices. Could this be a model for other regions facing similar challenges?
Dr. Touray did not stop there; he introduced an ambitious 25-year master plan that encompasses 201 projects spanning transport, energy, telecommunications, and water infrastructure, all summing to an impressive $131 billion. The flagship initiative of this plan is the Lagos–Abidjan highway—a colossal 1,028 km endeavor poised at nearly $15 billion—ready for investment. It’s thrilling to think about the transformative potential this highway holds for trade and connectivity in the region.
Other key projects, including the Banjul–Dakar–Abidjan corridor and the Abidjan–Praia Maritime route, along with energy initiatives under the West African Power Pool, further align with ECOWAS’s vision for a robust and interconnected West Africa. Notably, the $340 million off-grid electricity access program is a crucial step in bridging the energy gap that has long hindered development. How transformative would universal access to electricity be for communities eager to innovate and thrive?
Human Development and Health: A Commitment to Progress
The strides made in human development and health are equally commendable. Dr. Touray praised the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) for its vital role in coordinating responses to health crises like Ebola, COVID-19, and Mpox. The initiatives aimed at promoting climate-smart agriculture, ensuring food security, and providing vocational training reflect ECOWAS’s commitment to human-centered development. Isn’t it heartening to see how regional cooperation can pave the way for significant advancements in public health and education?
He also reaffirmed ECOWAS’s record in promoting peace and democracy across the region, pointing to its interventions in troubled nations like Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia. “It was ECOWAS that ensured the will of the people of The Gambia prevailed in 2016,” he explained, recalling the organization’s successful efforts to uphold electoral integrity against the backdrop of political turmoil. This dedication to democracy raises a broader question: What role do regional blocs play in safeguarding the fundamental rights of their citizens?
On the topic of maritime security, Dr. Touray observed a positive trend, noting that no piracy incidents were reported in West African waters in 2024—a remarkable feat attributed to ECOWAS’s coordinated security initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea. Yet, he acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly with intra-regional trade still hovering around a mere 12%. He urged immediate reforms to dismantle non-tariff barriers and improve infrastructure for better productivity across member states. This brings us to a critical juncture: with all the initiatives in play, what tangible steps can be taken to boost economic interdependence among these nations?
Dr. Touray appealed to both local and international investors, highlighting the vast economic potential of a unified region boasting over 400 million people. As he addressed the security challenges and the complexities surrounding the withdrawal of some Sahelian states, his emphasis on collective action and ongoing dialogue with Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso was particularly poignant. “Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic that we will collectively preserve and build on the gains of regional integration—for our people, who are united by blood,” he concluded, reminding us that the journey of integration is filled with both trials and triumphs. How do we nurture hope while addressing pressing issues?
As we reflect on Dr. Touray’s insights, it becomes clear that the legacy of ECOWAS is not solely about celebrating past achievements but also about fostering an enduring vision for the future. It’s a call to action for all West Africans to recognize the strength of unity amidst diversity. What will the next 50 years hold for ECOWAS, and how will we collectively shape that narrative?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
