ECOWAS Moves to Harness Volunteer Efforts with Reliable Data Across W/Africa, Leaders Meet in Togo to Strengthen Initiative By Raymond Enoch
Lomé, the capital of the Republic of Togo, is hosted the 8th Annual Forum of National Volunteer Agencies in the ECOWAS region. The meeting started from June 2 and ended today 4th June, 2026, is a strategic move by ECOWAS aimed at strengthening the impact of volunteering across West Africa.
The high-level gathering, organised by Economic Community of West African States, brought together representatives of national volunteer agencies from member states alongside technical and institutional partners. The forum is being held under the theme, “From Knowledge to Action: Practical Tools and Reliable Data to Strengthen the Role of Volunteering in the ECOWAS Region.”
Participants examined how better data collection and management can improve the effectiveness of volunteer programmes and support evidence-based decision-making across the region. Discussions are focusing on creating practical tools and common standards that will enable countries to accurately measure the contributions of volunteers to national and regional development.
A major outcome expected from the meeting is the development of a reference document that will guide the collection, analysis and management of volunteering-related data throughout the ECOWAS community.
Experts say the initiative will help governments and development partners better understand the value of volunteer services and design programmes that respond more effectively to community needs.
The forum is also providing a platform for national agencies and institutions to exchange experiences, showcase successful models and share best practices. Organisers believe that harmonising data collection mechanisms across member states will enhance regional cooperation and strengthen the role of volunteers in advancing social and economic development throughout West Africa.
Stakeholders at the meeting have stressed that reliable data is essential for transforming volunteering from a largely informal activity into a more structured and measurable force for regional integration, youth empowerment and sustainable development.
As deliberations ends in Lomé, expectations remain high that the forum will produce practical recommendations capable of elevating volunteerism as a key driver of progress across the ECOWAS region.
