The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recorded notable economic, social, and institutional achievements in 2025, despite global uncertainties and persistent regional security challenges, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, has said.
Speaking to development partners on Thursday, Touray reported that the regional economy grew by 4.6 per cent in 2025, up from 4.3 per cent in 2024, with 2026 projected at 5.0 per cent.
He attributed the growth to structural reforms, fiscal discipline, and strengthened key sectors such as trade and extractive industries.
Inflation declined from 24.4 per cent to 16.8 per cent, while the fiscal deficit narrowed to 3.1 per cent of GDP and debt-to-GDP ratio fell to 45.7 per cent.
Touray highlighted ECOWAS’ progress in political and security matters, noting strengthened peacekeeping and counter-terrorism initiatives, as well as arms control programs.
He also cited advances in regional integration, including free trade, customs union, cross-border trade support, and deployment of digital platforms.
On infrastructure, the bloc achieved improvements in energy, transport, and digital connectivity, while climate-smart agriculture, food security programs, health interventions, and gender equality initiatives benefitted millions of citizens.
Internally, the Commission strengthened governance, financial management, and staff capacity, with the ECOWAS Court of Justice holding 79 sessions in 2025 and expanding public outreach.
Partnerships with international organisations further supported projects across transport, agriculture, energy, and digital transformation.
Touray said these achievements position ECOWAS to advance regional integration, economic growth, and stability, despite challenges including geopolitical tensions, security threats, and the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Community.
