Germany and EU Launch €105 Million Initiative to Boost Regional Trade and ECOWAS Institutional Strength in West Africa.

Raymond Enoch

Germany and the European Union have unveiled four major regional initiatives valued at over €105 million, aimed at enhancing trade, governance, and institutional capacity across West Africa. The launch event was attended by key stakeholders including H.E. Dr. Omar A. Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission; H.E. Annett Günther, German Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS; and H.E. Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

The initiatives reflect a collaborative “Team Europe” approach, focusing on:

Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security, and Governance (EPSG): Enhancing regional stability and governance frameworks.

Implementation of the AfCFTA / Trade in Services Programme: Facilitating intra-African trade and services integration.

Institutional Support to ECOWAS Phase II: Strengthening ECOWAS’s organizational capacity.

Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA): Improving market access and competitiveness.

Svenja Ossmann, GIZ ECOWAS Cluster Coordinator, emphasized Germany’s commitment to supporting regional priorities through inclusive, African-led solutions. The programs align with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the African Union Agenda 2063, underscoring a shared commitment to sustainable development and regional integration.

This launch marks a significant milestone in Germany and the EU’s partnership with ECOWAS, aiming to foster a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous West Africa.