ECOWAS Hosted Technical Experts of RECs in Africa to Shape Strategic Agenda Ahead of AU Summit.
By Raymond Enoch
In a crucial step toward strengthening regional cooperation across Africa, ECOWAS hosted a technical meeting of focal points and experts from the continent’s Regional Economic Communities (RECs) ahead of a high-level summit in Addis Ababa.
The session, held February 9th, 2025, and chaired by ECOWAS Director of External Relations, Mr. Jerôme BOA, sought to refine the collective stance of RECs in their engagement with the African Union (AU).
This gathering sets the stage for the upcoming platform meeting of Presidents and Chief Executives of RECs, scheduled for February 14, 2025, on the sidelines of the 46th Ordinary Council of Ministers and the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly.
Key discussions during the hybrid-format meeting included finalizing technical documents that will guide RECs’ collaboration with the AU, reviewing past recommendations, and advancing joint initiatives such as resource mobilization for African-led peace missions.
Experts also examined progress on a dedicated coordination website and fine-tuned the agenda for the forthcoming summit.
The deliberations built upon resolutions from outcome of the last Platform of RECs Chief Executives meeting, which took place in Accra, Ghana, July 11th, 2024.
As Africa grapples with economic integration and security challenges, this technical meeting represents a strategic effort to align regional blocs with the broader continental vision of unity, development, and sustainable peace.
With RECs playing a pivotal role in Africa’s economic and political architecture, the February 14 summit is expected to chart a course for deeper collaboration and effective implementation of shared objectives.
