VICE-PRESIDENT, ECOWAS COMMISSION HER EXCELLENCY DAMTIEN L. TCHINTCHIBIDJA ADVANCES STRENGTHENING OF NATIONAL OWNERSHIP OF THE COMMUNITY’S LONG-TERM STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK By Raymond Enoch

The Vice-President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Her Excellency Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, has intensified calls for stronger national ownership of the Community’s long-term strategic framework, as the regional body deepens efforts to operationalise its Vision 2050 agenda across member states.

Speaking at a high-level national advocacy and awareness session held on April 27, 2026, in Praia, Cabo Verde, the ECOWAS Vice-President underscored the urgent need for member states to internalise and domesticate the Vision 2050 blueprint as a critical step toward achieving sustainable regional integration.

The advocacy session, which convened government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, private sector representatives, civil society actors, and development partners, marked another strategic milestone in ECOWAS’ ongoing campaign to foster inclusive participation and collective responsibility in the implementation of its long-term development agenda.

Tchintchibidja, in her keynote remarks, emphasized that while ECOWAS has made notable strides in policy formulation and institutional development, the real test lies in translating these frameworks into concrete benefits for citizens across West Africa.

She noted that national ownership remains a cornerstone for the success of Vision 2050, stressing that policies designed at the regional level must be embraced, adapted, and driven by individual member states to ensure meaningful impact.

“Regional integration must be anchored on the active involvement of our people,” she said. “Governments and institutions must work collaboratively with citizens to ensure that the vision we have collectively designed becomes a shared reality.”

The Vice-President further highlighted the importance of aligning national development plans with ECOWAS priorities, pointing out that coherence between regional and domestic policies would enhance implementation efficiency and reduce duplication of efforts.

Also contributing to the session, Dr. Carlos Fernandes Semedo, Director General for External Policy and Regional Integration of Cabo Verde, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with ECOWAS institutions. He stressed that Cabo Verde recognizes the value of regional solidarity in addressing common challenges and unlocking new opportunities for growth.

In her intervention, Dr. Kelly Lopes, Acting Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission in Cabo Verde, described the advocacy initiative as a vital platform for enhancing awareness and fostering dialogue among key stakeholders. She noted that such engagements help bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that regional frameworks are effectively communicated and understood at the national level.

Security considerations were also brought to the fore during the discussions. Dr. Onyinye Onwuka, Acting Director of the ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate, emphasized the need for strengthened early warning systems and preventive mechanisms to safeguard peace and stability in the region. She warned that sustainable development cannot thrive in an environment of insecurity, calling for proactive measures to address emerging threats.

Meanwhile, Mamadu Mudjataba Baldé, Head of Strategic Planning, Programming and Coordination, highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making and robust monitoring frameworks in achieving the objectives of Vision 2050. He stressed that measurable targets and continuous evaluation would be essential in tracking progress and ensuring accountability.

Participants at the session engaged in constructive discussions on strategies to enhance citizen engagement, strengthen institutional coordination, and promote greater synergy between national and regional actors. Recommendations from the meeting included the need for improved public communication, capacity building, and sustained stakeholder collaboration.

The Praia advocacy session forms part of a broader ECOWAS initiative aimed at promoting widespread understanding and ownership of Vision 2050 across all member states. The initiative reflects a deliberate shift toward a more participatory and inclusive model of regional integration, where citizens are not merely beneficiaries but active contributors to development processes.

For ECOWAS, the emphasis on national ownership signals a recognition that the success of its long-term strategic framework depends largely on the commitment and engagement of member states and their populations.

As the region navigates evolving socio-economic and security challenges, the message from Praia remains clear: a shared vision requires shared responsibility. With sustained political will, inclusive participation, and coordinated action, ECOWAS is positioning itself to build a resilient and prosperous West Africa driven by the aspirations of its people.