ECOWAS, Germany Set Stage for Deeper Strategic Partnership Ahead of November Talks.

By Raymond Enoch

In a decisive diplomatic engagement on the sidelines of the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings, the President of the ECOWAS Commission met with Mrs. Birgit Pickel, Director-General for Africa at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), to discuss the future of ECOWAS-Germany cooperation.

Held on Thursday, October 16, the high-level meeting focused on assessing the progress and exploring expansion opportunities within their existing bilateral relationship, which spans critical sectors including regional integration, peace and security, climate resilience, and economic development.

The discussions come at a pivotal time as both parties prepare for the annual ECOWAS-Germany bilateral negotiations scheduled for November 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria.

“This meeting reflects the mutual commitment of ECOWAS and Germany to a long-standing partnership anchored in shared values and regional stability,” said the ECOWAS Commission President. “We are optimistic that the upcoming negotiations will further elevate our cooperation to new heights.”

Mrs. Pickel reaffirmed Germany’s strategic interest in West Africa and highlighted the importance of aligning development initiatives with regional priorities. She noted that Germany remains a steadfast partner in supporting ECOWAS’s mission for sustainable development and democratic governance across the region.

As West Africa continues to navigate complex challenges ranging from political transitions to climate-induced crises, the ECOWAS-Germany partnership is viewed as a model of enduring international collaboration — one that aims not just to respond to emergencies, but to build long-term resilience.

With preparations underway for the November negotiations, both sides are expected to refine focus areas and outline a roadmap for future cooperation that is both impactful and mutually beneficial.