Germany Commits €49 Million to ECOWAS, Pledges to Strengthen Partnership on Peace, Health, and Economic Growth in West Africa.
By Raymond Enoch
Germany has renewed its longstanding commitment to West Africa’s peace, security, and economic development with a fresh pledge of €49 million (₦82 billion) to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The new funding, announced after high-level bilateral negotiations held on November 4–5 at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, underscores Germany’s resolve to strengthen regional cooperation in peacebuilding, economic integration, health, and institutional reforms.
In a joint statement in Abuja Nigeria both sides, including H.E. Annett Günther, Germany’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, and Mr. Christoph Rauh, Director for Africa at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The ECOWAS delegation was led by Vice President Damtien L. Tchintchibidja reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to building a peaceful, resilient, and inclusive region despite ongoing political and security challenges.
In her remarks, Vice President Tchintchibidja lauded Germany’s consistent support, noting that the latest funding follows the 2023 Berlin negotiations and 2024 bilateral consultations in Abuja.
“Through our efforts and equitable partnerships, we are working assiduously towards deeper integration, enhanced peace and security, with the ultimate goal of building an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous region,” she said.
Ambassador Günther reiterated Germany’s enduring partnership with ECOWAS, describing it as one built on shared values and trust.
“Germany stands firmly with ECOWAS as a trusted partner, united by shared values of peace, stability, and inclusive growth. Our cooperation is not only about financial support, but about empowering institutions, strengthening democracy, and improving the lives of people across the region,” she said.
Mr. Rauh emphasized that the cooperation is rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for sustainable development and regional solidarity.
“Together, we are building bridges between people, economies, and institutions for a better future,” he noted.
Under the new agreement, €32.8 million will go toward financial cooperation projects, while €16.2 million will support technical cooperation initiatives. These include regional trade facilitation, institutional reform, health system strengthening, and climate-friendly energy transitions.
Germany has been a reliable ECOWAS partner since 1985, with total funding for technical and financial cooperation projects now reaching approximately €494 million. Both partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to ECOWAS Vision 2050 and Germany’s Africa Strategy, focused on promoting African-led solutions for peace, prosperity, and stability.
The renewed partnership, stakeholders said, signals a deepened alliance built on trust, mutual benefit, and a shared aspiration for a peaceful and integrated West Africa.
