The Federal Republic of Germany has committed €81 million to support the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in addressing various challenges, including insecurity, infrastructure gaps, and climate change. This significant financial contribution was announced by Omar Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, during a press conference held in Abuja, where he welcomed Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Chancellor Scholz emphasized that the key areas of partnership with ECOWAS would focus on electricity, healthcare, peace, and security. He highlighted the importance of the collaboration in improving the well-being of ECOWAS member countries and their region. The Chancellor acknowledged the significance of the ECOWAS region maintaining peace and security, especially in light of recent political instability, including coups in some West African countries.
Dr. Omar Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, expressed the significance of Chancellor Scholz’s visit in strengthening Germany-ECOWAS cooperation. He highlighted the recent agreement worth €81 million that the German government committed to supporting various sectors of the ECOWAS region’s economy.
Germany has been a consistent and strong partner of ECOWAS and its member states. The recent agreement covers critical areas, including building peaceful and inclusive societies, addressing climate change, facilitating energy transition, promoting sustainable economic development, improving healthcare, enhancing social protection, and supporting the population. These areas align with the pressing issues affecting the region, including insecurity, infrastructure deficiencies, and challenges in social development.
The President of the ECOWAS Commission expressed appreciation for the continuous support from Germany and the European Union, highlighting that the recent agreement adds to the decades of assistance, bringing Germany’s support to ECOWAS to approximately €500 million.
Chancellor Scholz’s visit to Nigeria and ECOWAS is part of a two-day trip aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Germany and the Sub-Saharan region. During his visit, he met with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray in Abuja. Additionally, he is scheduled to travel to Lagos to open a Nigeria-German Business Conference organized by the Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce. In Lagos, he will engage with representatives from Nigerian civil society and interact with Nigerian start-up entrepreneurs.
This visit and financial commitment underscore the importance of international partnerships in addressing critical challenges facing the ECOWAS region and enhancing cooperation with countries like Germany to advance the well-being of the West African nations. The support from Germany will play a crucial role in fostering sustainable development and stability in the region.
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