Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called on ECOWAS member states to deepen economic ties and boost intra-regional trade, underscoring the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key driver for transformative change across West Africa.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, during the launch of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary celebrations in Accra, Ghana, Tinubu emphasized the urgent need to prioritize regional integration, innovation, education, and skills development to fully harness Africa’s potential.
Presenting a vision of ECOWAS as a “Community of People” rather than merely a coalition of states, Tinubu urged member nations to adopt people-centered policies, strengthen educational systems, and promote economic cooperation to enhance citizens’ livelihoods.
As the current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Tinubu praised the bloc’s successes, especially its progress in trade liberalization and poverty alleviation.
“Today, we celebrate remarkable milestones that have established ECOWAS as the most impactful regional economic community on the continent,” he stated. “Over the past fifty years, we have developed one of Africa’s most vibrant free trade zones, boosting trade and helping millions escape poverty.”
Addressing Regional Challenges and the Road Ahead
While celebrating progress, Tinubu acknowledged persistent challenges facing the region, including political instability, economic difficulties, underdeveloped infrastructure, and security threats. He called for renewed resolve to overcome these hurdles in the pursuit of stability, prosperity, and inclusive development.
Though we share a common vision, many of our people still face poverty, inadequate education, and scarce employment opportunities,” he noted. “We must remain steadfast in our dedication to regional development and integration.
Human Capital and Future Readiness
Echoing Tinubu’s appeal for investment in human capital, Ghana’s President John Mahama stressed the importance of revitalizing ECOWAS as a dynamic, people-focused institution.
He announced Ghana’s commitment to provide 1,000 university scholarships to students from across the ECOWAS region, an initiative designed to expand access to education and empower the region’s youth.
The event also featured the unveiling of the official ECOWAS Golden Jubilee logo and theme, marking the start of a year-long celebration of the bloc’s accomplishments and fostering forward-looking discussions on its future direction.
As ECOWAS marks five decades of collaboration, regional leaders are framing AfCFTA as a pillar of future prosperity—highlighting the need for trade harmonization, economic reform, and collective resilience to propel the region into its next chapter of development.
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