ECOWAS, EU launch package to drive West African socio-economic development

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the European Union launched a package on Thursday to stabilise the region and drive West African socio-economic development.

The European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, accompanied by European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, met the ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray, in Abuja, Nigeria where seven financing agreements were signed with a total EU support of €212.5 million with a focus on trade and regional integration, energy interconnectivity, renewable energy, affordable and clean energy, sustainable food systems, food security and migration.

According to them, this new financial package for West Africa would soon be complemented by additional support in the areas of peace and security, transport, water management, environment, digitalization, health and education.

Under the Global Gatevay Africa-Europe Investment Package, the European Union committed to mobilizing up to €150 billion in investments for Africa between 2021 and 2027 to accelerate an inclusive, green and digital transition that will boost regional economic integration, sustainable growth and decent job creation.

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Commissioner Urpilainen said: “The EU is a long-term supporter of regional integration, which produces prosperity through added value.

“Currently, ECOWAS operates in a politically challenging context. It has a central role in stabilising West Africa by promoting democracy, the rule of law and economic cooperation.

“The EU supports its work and regional leadership. Today, I was happy to sign financing agreements worth over €210 million contributing to ECOWAS programmes.

“Many of these actions align with the objectives of the EU’s positive and sustainable Global Gateway investment strategy.”

On his part, ECOWAS President Touray said the EU delegation’s visit aims at strengthening the ECOWAS-EU Cooperation.

“This strength of our equal partnership is being reflected today with the signing of 7 new financial agreements covering the areas of trade,
migration, energy, and agriculture within the context of the Team Europe Global Strategy and in line with ECOWAS 4×4 Strategic objectives and ECOWAS Vision 2050.

“We appreciate the EU’s continued strategic partnership with ECOWAS in providing support to addressing regional challenges in the areas of peace and security as well as on institutional capacity development.

“We note the progress made so far towards the implementation of the projects identified under the NDICI-Global Gateway.”

Commissioner Urpilainen and President Touray reaffirmed strong ties and deepening partnership between EU and ECOWAS towards West Africa’s peace, regional integration and prosperity.

They confirmed mutual commitments made to peace and security in the Sahel and throughout the West African region, in a context of evolving complex politics and increased security challenges.