ECOWAS and AfDB Build Stronger Ties to Boost West African Integration By Raymond Enoch.
In a bid to push a deepened regional cooperation, His Excellency Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, held a high-level technical session with the African Development Bank (AfDB) Board of Directors in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The visit,which aimed at strengthening ongoing collaboration on West African integration efforts.
Dr. Touray was joined by ECOWAS Resident Representative to Côte d’Ivoire, Mrs. Fanta Cissé, and Director of External Relations, Mr. Jérôme Boa. The session, chaired by AfDB Vice President Dr. Nnenna Nwabufo, focused on scaling up support for regional integration in the face of emerging challenges within the ECOWAS bloc.
Commending the Bank’s robust support since 1988 in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and trade, Dr. Touray urged increased investment in flagship projects like the Lagos-Abidjan and Abidjan-Praia transport corridors. These initiatives, he stressed, are pivotal for unlocking intra-regional trade and driving sustainable development.
Amid recent developments, including the withdrawal of the AES states from ECOWAS, Dr. Touray called for unity and diplomatic engagement, emphasizing solidarity as key to regional stability.
The parties reaffirmed their shared vision, pledging to intensify cooperation and increase private sector involvement to stimulate economic growth. The visit concluded with a meeting with H.E. Mr. Léon Kacou Adom, Côte d’Ivoire’s Senior Minister for Foreign Affairs, focusing on ECOWAS’ upcoming statutory meetings and broader regional affairs.
This renewed partnership signals a strong commitment to a more integrated and economically resilient West Africa.
