ISE11 Project: ECOWAS-Spain Deepen Ties to Boost Regional Integration, Coordination Framework.
By Raymond Enoch
In a strategic move to enhance regional cooperation, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with the Spanish Cooperation through the ISE II project, hosted a two-day capacity building and coordination retreat from September 18 to 19, 2025, in Niger State, Nigeria.
The event brought together key representatives from various ECOWAS directorates to strengthen inter-departmental collaboration and bolster the effective implementation of regional initiatives under the ISE II (Institutional Support to ECOWAS) project.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, SEM Omar Alieu Touray, Mr. Jerome Boa, Director of External Relations, underscored the urgency of internal coordination for the success of development projects across the region. “Strong coordination mechanisms are the backbone of our integration agenda,” he said. “Inter-collaboration among directorates ensures that development partners’ efforts are not only complementary but impactful.”
The retreat also highlighted the longstanding partnership between ECOWAS and the Spanish Cooperation. Representing the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), Mr. Santiago Ormeño García, Head of AECID in Nigeria and ECOWAS, reiterated Spain’s commitment to West African integration.
“Spain is proud to be part of the ISE II project, supporting ECOWAS in its mission of bringing the West African community together. Regional integration delivers livelihoods and improves citizens’ lives,” he stated.
The ISE II project, funded by Spain and the European Union, plays a key role in institutional strengthening within ECOWAS, aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth and deeper regional ties.
The initiative signals a renewed commitment by ECOWAS and its partners to prioritize efficiency, cooperation, and shared prosperity in West Africa.
