Rethinking ECOWAS Commission at 50: The Journey of Regional Economic Cooperation, Integration, and Unity of West African States
By Raymond Enoch
As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marks its 50th anniversary, in 2025 there is an urgent need for eminent leaders of thoughts , founding fathers and Elderstamen and Women to have a reflection on its journey, it’s impact achievements, challenges, and the future of regional economic cooperation and integration in West Africa.
Paradigm News takes a look at this journey taking into consideration circumstances under the region was and now is in order to provide useful thoughts that policy and decision makers can consider feasible to re-position the regional institution to continue to accomplish it’s mandate.
Since its establishment on May 28, 1975, ECOWAS Commission has been at the heart of fostering economic growth, political stability, and regional unity among its 15 member states. However, the reality of today’s economic and security landscape demands a reassessment of its strategies and effectiveness given the military incursion into democratic space that brought up concept of AES. today
Founded in Lagos, Nigeria, ECOWAS Commission was created with the vision of promoting economic cooperation and integration to enhance development and reduce dependence on external forces.
The Treaty of Lagos sought to facilitate trade, free movement of people, and a common market that would lead to industrialization and self-reliance. Over the decades, ECOWAS has made notable progress, including the introduction of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), the free movement protocol, and the adoption of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET), which has harmonized trade policies among member states and long strengthened economic cooperation.
In addition, ECOWAS has played a crucial role in political mediation, security and peace keeping efforts, particularly through its military arm, the ECOWAS Standby Force. The interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Mali exemplify its commitment to regional stability and governance.
Despite these gains, the journey has been fraught with challenges. Economic disparities among member states, inadequate infrastructure, and weak policy implementation continue to hinder true economic integration. The dream of a single ECOWAS currency, the ECO, remains unfulfilled due to economic divergence and lack of commitment though unconfirmed sources say from key Mega economies in the region.
Political instability in member states, characterized by coups and democratic backsliding, has also weakened ECOWAS’s credibility in enforcing governance standards. This is further to insecurity, particularly from terrorism in the Sahel and organized crime, has diverted attention from economic development and realities.
As ECOWAS steps into its next phase, a more pragmatic approach is required to achieve deeper economic integration and regional unity. Strengthening regional infrastructure, enforcing trade agreements, and reviving the single currency project should be prioritized. Additionally, ECOWAS must adopt a more robust stance against political instability and improve its conflict resolution mechanisms to ensure lasting peace.
Moreover, fostering youth and women’s participation in economic and governance structures is essential for sustainable growth. Investing in digital transformation and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could also open new avenues for economic expansion.
At 50, ECOWAS stands at a crossroads. While significant progress has been made in regional economic cooperation and integration, there is still a long way to go in achieving true economic unity and political stability. The next decade must be marked by decisive actions, strategic reforms, and renewed political will to transform ECOWAS into a more effective driver of regional development. Only through genuine commitment and collaboration can the vision of a united and prosperous West Africa be realized
