The Economic Community of West African States recently marked its 50th year since establishment.
Overview of ECOWAS
Formed through the Lagos Treaty signed on May 28, 1975, in Lagos, Nigeria, ECOWAS is a regional organization focused on fostering cooperation and integration among West African nations.
Objectives
The primary goal of ECOWAS is to facilitate economic integration and unity within West Africa to improve the quality of life for its citizens. It aims to establish a unified economic region with a single currency and promote collaboration in sectors such as trade, transportation, telecommunications, energy, finance, and culture. Additionally, ECOWAS seeks to ensure regional stability and support the broader development goals of the African continent.
Member States
Current member nations include Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
However, on January 29, 2025, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formally exited the bloc.
Security and Peacekeeping Role
Beyond economic objectives, ECOWAS has actively engaged in resolving conflicts within the region. It previously led peacekeeping efforts through the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), with Nigeria playing a leading role during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Headquarters: Located in Abuja, Nigeria.