ECOWAS Stakeholders Convene in Abuja to Advance Stronger Cross-Border Cooperation.
By Raymond Enoch
A two-day Annual Regional Stakeholders Meeting on ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation opens today Monday, 24 February 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria.
The meeting, organized by the Directorate of Free Movement of Persons and Migration, brings together stakeholders from across West Africa to review the progress and implementation of the ECOWAS Cross Border Cooperation Support Program (ECBCSP) 2023-2027.
Additionally, the stakeholders meeting aims to develop the 2025 work plan for the program, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing regional integration and sustainable development.
In his welcoming address, Mr. Albert Siaw-Boateng, Director of Free Movement of Persons and Migration, emphasized the importance of the meeting in achieving the shared goal of stronger cross-border cooperation. Representing H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Siaw-Boateng expressed appreciation for the commitment of participants from Member States, noting that their presence attest to a collective resolve to foster regional integration and socio-economic development.
“This meeting signifies our unified commitment to not only strengthen cross-border cooperation but also advancing the broader goals of regional unity and economic prosperity. Through initiatives like the ECBCSP, we continue to build the foundations for a stronger, more integrated West Africa,” said Mr. Siaw-Boateng.
The ECBCSP is a multi-sectoral development program focused on promoting social cohesion, economic development, and sustainable growth in border communities. With the support of local communities and regional stakeholders, the program addresses the challenges faced by border regions, working towards constructing essential infrastructure and improving the quality of life for residents.y
Throughout the two-day meeting, delegates will engage in discussions aimed at assessing the successes of the program to date and identifying areas for further improvement. A key focus will be the development of the 2025 work plan, which will outline the strategies and priorities for the coming year.
Stakeholders will also explore ways to improve the program’s impact on socio-economic development, security, and regional cooperation.
With cross-border trade, migration, and cultural exchange being central to the dynamics of the ECOWAS region, the outcome of this meeting is expected to have significant implications for both local communities and the broader West African region.
The ECBCSP, with its emphasis on inclusive development, aims to address the specific needs of border communities while fostering greater collaboration between neighboring countries. As West Africa faces increasing challenges from migration, trade imbalances, and security concerns, the importance of such cross-border cooperation has never been clearer.
The two-day meeting in Abuja presents a crucial opportunity for Member States to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of regional cooperation and integration that lie at the heart of ECOWAS. By the end of the meeting, stakeholders are expected to leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a concrete plan of action for the year ahead.
In a region where unity and collaboration are key to overcoming shared challenges, the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme continues to serve as a critical tool in the drive towards a prosperous, secure, and integrated West Africa.
