ECOWAS, World Bank Deepen Ties and Collaborative Working Relationship.

By Raymond Enoch

In a bold effort to reinforce regional stability and economic development, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the World Bank have reaffirmed their strategic working relationship during high-level talks held on the sidelines of the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, met with Mr. Ousmane Diagana, World Bank Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The meeting signals a renewed urgency in addressing the deepening socio-economic and security challenges gripping West and Central Africa.

At the core of the discussions was a comprehensive review of the World Bank-ECOWAS cooperation framework. Both leaders examined ongoing programmes, measured progress, and acknowledged persistent obstacles that continue to hinder the full potential of development projects across the region. They jointly emphasized the need to intensify coordination and accountability to improve delivery and impact.

Crucially, the two institutions agreed to conduct a deep-dive portfolio review in the first quarter of 2026. This exercise aims to overhaul the pipeline of projects, eliminate bottlenecks, and realign priorities to fast-track regional integration and governance reforms.

Beyond development financing, the dialogue also addressed the region’s deteriorating security environment and the urgent need for coordinated governance mechanisms. With the backdrop of escalating political instability, the ECOWAS-World Bank partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in restoring institutional resilience and economic recovery.

The meeting underscores a pivotal shift in how ECOWAS engages with global financial institutions — not merely as a beneficiary, but as a strategic partner committed to shaping the region’s development trajectory through reforms, results, and robust cooperation.