ECOWAS Moves to Strengthen Regional Data Systems Through Technical Workshops in Côte d’Ivoire By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States Commission has commenced a series of high-level technical workshops aimed at strengthening regional statistical systems and improving data management across West Africa.
The workshops, taking place in Abidjan from May 18 to 22, 2026, are being organised through the Commission’s Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture under the World Bank-supported Harmonisation and Improvement of Statistics in West and Central Africa Project (HISWACA/PHASAOC).
The initiative brings together statistical experts, policymakers, and technical professionals from ECOWAS member states to deliberate on modern approaches to data collection, analysis, and regional coordination.
According to the Commission, the sessions are focused on key areas including Big Data, Sectoral Statistical Indicators, and Environmental Statistics — all considered essential tools for effective planning, economic growth, environmental monitoring, and evidence-based governance within the region.
Officials say the workshops are designed to improve the quality, reliability, and harmonisation of statistical systems among member states while promoting stronger regional cooperation in the production and use of data.
Participants are also expected to exchange experiences, explore innovative digital tools, and develop practical strategies for addressing emerging statistical challenges in the region.
The programme reflects ECOWAS’ growing commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring that governments across West Africa have access to accurate and timely statistics needed for policy formulation and sustainable development.
Stakeholders are of the opinion that the workshops will further support regional integration efforts by creating more coordinated and standardised statistical frameworks capable of responding to present-day economic, social, and environmental realities.
The HISWACA/PHASAOC project, funded by the World Bank, is aimed at supporting countries in West and Central Africa to modernise their statistical systems and improve the availability of quality data for decision-making and development planning.
