The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) have formalized a partnership valued at 16 million euros to support regional resilience, inclusion, and integration in West Africa. The agreement was marked by the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding at ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
Senior officials from both organizations attended the event, highlighting the strategic importance of this collaboration for sustainable development and stability in the region. The initiative is part of the ECOWAS–AECID Cooperation Programme 2025–2028 and aims to strengthen rural development, promote gender equality, empower women and girls, and address key sectors such as agriculture, food security, energy access, infrastructure, and institutional development. These priorities are aligned with ECOWAS Vision 2050.
ECOWAS works to harmonize policies among its member states in areas like trade, transport, agriculture, and social development to improve living standards and foster stability across West Africa. Its programs reach 12 countries with efforts extending further into the region. The organization also influences policy by coordinating economic, trade, and legal systems among its members.
In his remarks during the ceremony, H.E Aleiu Omar TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission—which is led by a president supported by a vice president and commissioners—described this cooperation as “the largest partnership of its kind within any African Regional Economic Community (REC).” He noted that previous collaborations helped establish institutions such as the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) and the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre.
President TOURAY stated: “Spain’s engagement goes beyond financial support,” emphasizing that “the partnership is a mutually strategic cooperation rather than charity.” He added that “the programme promotes regional stability and economic growth that benefits both West Africa and Spain equally.” He highlighted how Spain’s support aligns with ECOWAS’ focus on gender equality, agriculture and food security, energy access, infrastructure development, and institutional strengthening.
Antón Leis GARCÍA, Director of AECID, described Spain’s ongoing commitment as “a promise delivered” while calling this phase “a significant step forward from previous phases of cooperation.” He said AECID remains a reliable partner for ECOWAS: “The programme represents a transformative level of collaboration between both institutions.”
GARCÍA confirmed that 16 million euros has been allocated for implementation. He emphasized Spain’s longstanding relationship with West Africa: “The relationship is a mutually beneficial partnership that Spain cherishes and will continue to strengthen.” He also reaffirmed Spain’s intent to advocate for West Africa internationally.
The signed agreements symbolize renewed commitment from both parties to promote sustainable development initiatives focused on social inclusion—especially benefiting women and girls—and enhancing institutional capacity across West Africa. According to official information, these actions fit within broader efforts by ECOWAS to advance cooperation through harmonized policies designed to raise living standards throughout its member states.
ECOWAS continues working toward integration through programs covering sectors such as infrastructure and social development while aligning economic frameworks via mechanisms like common external tariffs.