The 67th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) concluded in Abuja with a strong focus on deepening economic integration, improving trade facilitation, and strengthening regional stability amid ongoing security challenges.

Under the stewardship of outgoing Chairperson President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, ECOWAS leaders reviewed comprehensive reports on the bloc’s progress, including the 2025 interim report from ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray. The session reaffirmed commitments to key economic priorities aligned with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

Central to the summit’s agenda was the reinforcement of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), which aims to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers to boost intra-regional trade. Member states agreed to intensify efforts toward border digitalization, customs modernization, and harmonization of standards to enhance the seamless movement of goods and services.

The meeting also addressed fiscal and monetary coordination to prepare the region for the eventual introduction of the ECOWAS single currency, with emphasis on macroeconomic convergence criteria such as inflation control and sustainable budget deficits.

Energy infrastructure development, digital economy advancement, and transport network modernization were identified as strategic sectors to attract increased investment and promote regional value chains. A private sector engagement strategy was endorsed to encourage entrepreneurship, particularly among youth and women, supporting inclusive growth.

The summit additionally tackled the sensitive political developments following the withdrawals of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. While no immediate resolutions were finalized, ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution in pursuit of regional cohesion.

Newly elected ECOWAS Chairperson, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, urged member states to act decisively on agreed economic reforms to improve livelihoods and ensure sustainable development.

By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com