ECOWAS at 50: A Golden Jubilee of Unity, Security, and Progress in West Africa By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) holds its 50th golden jubilee anniversary celebration in Lagos, Nigeria, come May 28, 2025.
The anniversary creates an opportunity to strengthen institutions, reflect on its foundational spirit, and renew its commitment to regional integration and cooperation.
Paradigm News examines key highlights and perspectives from civil society and development actors across West Africa, who remain firmly committed to supporting the efforts of governments and the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State in advancing the core objectives upon which the Commission was founded in 1975.
As the golden sun rises over Lagos come May 28, 2025, the city would awaken not just to the rhythm of its heartbeat but to the echoes of history. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marks its 50th anniversary—a golden jubilee celebration that symbolizes five decades of striving for regional unity, economic integration, peace, and collective development across West Africa.
This significant milestone, hosted in Nigeria’s commercial capital, is more than a ceremonial commemoration. It is a moment of deep institutional reflection, renewal of purpose, and a rekindling of the pan-African spirit that gave birth to the regional body in 1975. What started as a bold vision by 15 West African nations to foster economic cooperation has transformed into a robust Commission that now also champions democratic governance, peacekeeping, gender inclusion, and technological innovation.
Background: From Aspiration to Action
Founded in the aftermath of Africa’s decolonization era, ECOWAS emerged at a time when West Africa sought to define its own future—one rooted in shared identity, mutual development, and sovereign cooperation. Its early years were driven by economic ambitions: to break trade barriers, unify markets, and improve regional infrastructure.
Over the decades, ECOWAS evolved. From mediating civil conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone to deploying regional peacekeeping forces in Mali and The Gambia, ECOWAS proved that its mandate extended beyond economics. It became a stabilizing force in a region often rocked by coups, insurgencies, and governance deficits.
ECOWAS has transformed into a multidimensional Intergovernmental institution, backed by a committed citizenry, dynamic civil society, and strategic development partners.
This jubilee has seen an unprecedented level of engagement from civil society organizations, development partners, and media stakeholders. Pro-democracy and civil society groups such as Parliamentary Network Africa, the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), West Africa Civil Society Forum ( WACSOF) and COD West Africa convened a Parliament–CSO–Media Dialogue on Democratic Governance and Security.
The dialogue, themed “Safeguarding Regional Unity and Democratic Stability,” served as a platform for civic voices to reflect on ECOWAS’s role in defending democratic institutions, promoting transparency, and securing peace across the region. While participants applauded ECOWAS’s achievements, they emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with non-state actors—especially in the face of rising insecurity and democratic erosion.
The Golden Gains: ECOWAS’s Enduring Achievements
As it enters its sixth decade, the ECOWAS Commission celebrates notable milestones that have significantly shaped West Africa:
ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID): Financing infrastructure, agriculture, and private sector growth.
ECOWAS Parliament: Empowering regional lawmakers to shape policy and democratic standards.
ECOWAS Court of Justice: A supranational judiciary upholding human rights and legal redress across member states.
Migration Management Strategy: Addressing mobility, diaspora engagement, and migration governance.
Protocol on Good Governance and Democracy: Promoting democratic norms and zero tolerance for unconstitutional power grabs.
Mediation and Security Council: Led by Ambassador Nuhu Sani, this initiative combats misinformation and bolsters public trust in democratic processes.
Youth and Gender Inclusion: Advancing women’s political participation and youth entrepreneurship.
Cultural and Sports Diplomacy: Strengthening regional identity through shared heritage and competitive sports.
Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI): Driving digital transformation and fostering innovation across sectors.
Border Control and Free Movement Protocols: Facilitating regional trade and travel, reinforcing a borderless West Africa.
Looking to the Future: A Commission of the People
Despite these achievements, ECOWAS must confront emerging challenges—from violent extremism and climate-induced displacement to democratic fragility. The golden jubilee is not just a celebration of past successes; it is a call for renewed vision, resilient institutions, and stronger civic partnerships to shape the next 50 years.
For the people of West Africa, ECOWAS is more than an institution—it is a promise. A promise of peace amid crisis. A platform for youth and women to rise. A pathway to prosperity in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
As the Lagos skyline lights up in celebration by May 28th 2025, the region must not only honor its past but also forge a future that is inclusive, stable, and forward-looking.
Paradigm News will continue to provide in-depth coverage of ECOWAS@50,notably citizen-led efforts in shaping the Commission’s next chapter in the journey to regional integration , fostering unity and development in West Africa.
