Economic Community Of West African States
The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) is a regional political and economic union of fifteen West African countries. Established on 28 May 1975 through the Treaty of Lagos, the organisation seeks to promote economic integration, political cooperation and regional stability across its member states. Ecowas comprises Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. The bloc's headquarters are located in Abuja, Nigeria. Key functions include facilitating the free movement of people and goods, harmonising economic and monetary policies, and coordinating development programmes across the region. Ecowas operates a common external tariff and has established institutions such as the Ecowas Court of Justice and the Ecowas Parliament. The organisation also plays a significant security role, deploying peacekeeping missions and mediating conflicts within member states. Its currency integration efforts include the proposed eco, intended to serve as a common currency for the region. Ecowas has been instrumental in addressing regional challenges including democratic transitions, cross-border security threats and economic development. The bloc represents one of Africa's most active regional economic communities and a pillar of the African Union's integration agenda.
Economic Community Of West African States Updates
Ecowas Court and women’s rights in west Africa: what’s working – and what isn’t
2nd October 2026 The Ecowas Court is a west African regional body located in Abuja, Nigeria, serving the now 12-nation Economic Community of West African States... →
Niger’s failed coup is a warning to the Sahel’s military rulers: those with power must keep their promises
3rd September 2026 Niger’s military regime, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, faced its most significant challenge on 29 August 2026 since coming to power in... →
Africans migrate for jobs mostly within the continent: why regional skills partnerships are needed
13th August 2026 In 2024, 25.1-million Africans were living in other countries on the continent. Labour migration has long been a defining feature of Africa’s... →
With terrorism on its doorstep, Guinea must tackle internal vulnerabilities
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 11th August 2026 Guinea’s response to the growing threat must consider domestic risk factors, not just the threat from neighbouring Mali. Guinea has so far been... →
Fragmented security allows terrorists’ cross-mobility across Lake Chad and Sahel
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 27th July 2026 As Islamic State affiliates extend their reach, states must find ways to share intelligence and cooperate, despite political fractures. Islamic... →
The Gambia’s first Special Prosecutor: a non-Gambian?
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 29th May 2026 To achieve justice and reconciliation, the Special Prosecutor must ensure that accountability appears neither distant nor external to victims. On 9... →
The end of strategic ambiguity as Africa’s security alignments become operational
By: In On Africa IOA 20th May 2026 Analysis in brief: In pursuit of safe countries where citizens can prosper and investors feel secure, Africa is using its new geopolitical... →
Former African Presidents launch conflict resolution center with AFSA
By: Thabi Shomolekae 7th May 2026 To promote peace and stability on the continent, four former African leaders converged at the Sandton Convention Centre to formalise a... →
Africa’s peace-building faces reality check as leaders call for active prudence
By: Lumkile Nkomfe 6th May 2026 As day one of the Johannesburg Arbitration Week 2026 opened at the Sandton Convention Centre, hosted by dispute resolution authority the... →
China’s new tariff‑free regime for Africa: the potential upside and downside
16th March 2026 China’s President Xi Jinping announced in February 2026 that from 1 May China would be granting zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries.... →
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