The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, met with Professor Wautabouna Ouattara, Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for West Africa, on August 8, 2025.
During the meeting, Dr. Touray welcomed Prof. Ouattara’s appointment and expressed support for his work. He also asked for the IMF’s assistance in developing a regional market in West Africa and supporting programs aimed at regional stability and integration.
In response, Prof. Ouattara acknowledged ECOWAS’ efforts in conflict resolution and economic integration across West Africa. He committed to strengthening collaboration with ECOWAS and the 14 countries he represents to address issues such as public debt, budget deficits, and economic growth.
On November 1, 2024, the IMF announced an expansion of its Executive Board by adding a 25th seat. This change was made to improve representation for sub-Saharan African countries within the institution. The new structure groups the region’s 45 countries into three constituencies: Central and East Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa.
Prof. Ouattara leads the constituency that includes Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Senegal, Liberia, Mali, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Togo, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Niger and Guinea.
“President Touray welcomed Prof. Ouattara’s appointment and reiterated the West African organisation’s support for the success of his mandate. He also requested the International Monetary Fund’s contribution to the development of a West African regional market and the implementation of programmes that contribute to regional stability and integration.”
“Prof. Ouattara praised ECOWAS’ leadership in resolving conflicts in the region and promoting economic integration. He pledged to work more closely with ECOWAS and the 14 countries under his purview to address challenges such as public debt, budget deficits and economic growth.”
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