ECOWAS: Africa’s Best-Performing Regional Economic Community (REC) — Dr. Habibu Yaya Bappah By Raymond EnochECOWAS: Africa’s Best-Performing Regional Economic Community (REC) — Dr. Habibu Yaya Bappah By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been described as one of Africa’s best-performing Regional Economic Communities (RECs), with the organisation’s Commissioner for Internal Services, Dr. Habibu Yaya Bappah, attributing the achievement to sound financial management, institutional accountability and the unwavering oversight of its Administration and Finance Committee (AFC).
Dr. Bappah made the declaration on Sunday while speaking at the opening of the 39th Meeting of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where representatives of ECOWAS Member States and Community Institutions gathered to review critical administrative, financial and institutional matters that will shape the future direction of the regional institution.
The three-day meeting, scheduled for 12–14 July 2026, is examining reports on administration, finance, human resources, budget execution and institutional performance, with recommendations expected to further strengthen efficiency, accountability and transparency across ECOWAS institutions.
Commending members of the Administration and Finance Committee for their dedication and professionalism, Dr. Bappah said the committee’s diligent oversight and strategic recommendations have significantly contributed to making ECOWAS one of Africa’s most effective and respected regional economic communities.
Earlier, the Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Mrs. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, noted that the Community’s Golden Jubilee offered not only an opportunity to celebrate five decades of regional achievements but also a moment to reflect on existing challenges and chart a stronger future for regional integration under the ECOWAS Vision 2050 agenda.
Declaring the meeting open, Chairman of the Administration and Finance Committee, Mr. Komba Momoh, reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to collaborating with ECOWAS Member States, the Commission and Community Institutions to deepen regional integration, promote peace and security, and accelerate sustainable development across West Africa.
The Administration and Finance Committee occupies a strategic position within the ECOWAS institutional framework, serving as the body responsible for reviewing administrative, financial and budgetary matters while ensuring prudent management of Community resources and reinforcing accountability across its institutions.
The outcome of the Freetown meeting is expected to influence key policy and institutional reforms that will further consolidate ECOWAS’ leadership role in regional integration and strengthen its capacity to deliver on its mandate of economic cooperation, peace, security and sustainable development across West Africa.
