Fifty years after its creation in 1975, ECOWAS is entering a new phase in its history with a smaller membership: since 29 January 2025, the organisation has comprised 12 member states, following the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, which have now joined together to form the Confederation of Sahel States. Despite this restructuring, the regional bloc retains significant influence, with a population of over 300 million and a regional GDP still estimated at several hundred billion dollars, whilst facing persistent security and political tensions.
Since 1975, ECOWAS has progressively built a regional architecture centred on free movement, economic cooperation and crisis management. This foundation has helped establish lasting mechanisms, but the current dynamics require a reassessment of priorities. The organisation must now deal with a partially fragmented space and growing demands for tangible results.
“Today, our region is facing a complex set of threats: violent extremism, insecurity in the Sahel, political instability, economic disparities and climate vulnerabilities. In times like these, diplomacy and solidarity must remain our first and strongest line of defence. The recent decision by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS is a regrettable development. But even so, continued engagement must remain our guiding star. We must respond not with isolation or recrimination, but with understanding, dialogue, and a willingness to listen and engage. Since becoming President of the Office, I have prioritised diplomatic engagement with our Sahelian neighbours. Ghana has appointed a special envoy to initiate high-level discussions with the Alliance of Sahel States.”John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic – Ghana
On the economic front, the achievements remain significant: more than 15,000 companies benefit from the trade liberalisation scheme, nearly 50,000 products circulate under tariff advantages, and 201 regional projects have been identified at an estimated cost of 131 billion euros. Energy interconnection now covers 14 countries in the wider West African region. However, intra-community trade remains limited to around 12%, reflecting incomplete integration.
“This is significantly low compared to European and Asian countries. To address this issue, we must continue tackling infrastructure and energy deficits, as well as non-tariff barriers. But most importantly, we must address constraints on the support of our communities and economies. To improve productivity, we must be able to attract investment from both within and outside. Our market of 400 million people is a potential magnet for investors. This again highlights the importance of regional integration. No significant investor is attracted by the small size of our individual markets. We must also invest in peace and security.”Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission – Gambia
On the security front, the organisation has demonstrated its capacity for action, particularly in Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia in 2016. Joint efforts have also led to a notable reduction in maritime piracy, with zero major incidents recorded in 2024 in certain areas of the Gulf of Guinea. However, ongoing instability in the Sahel and the creation of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) are reshaping security balances and complicating regional coordination.
“We must also invest in peace and security. Terrorist threats, which are a key driver of insecurity in the region, do not respect borders. This makes security cooperation and innovation in the region imperative. In this regard, I would like to commend the efforts made by His Excellency President Mahama, His Excellency President Faure Gnassingbé, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and indeed the President of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is committed to fostering reconciliation and supporting cooperation between ECOWAS and the countries that are members of the Sahel States Alliance.”Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission – Gambia
Following its 50th anniversary celebrated in 2025, ECOWAS is entering a phase of strategic adjustment. The challenge now is to strengthen security in the face of expanding armed groups, raise intra-regional trade above 20%, accelerate the implementation of the 131 billion euro investment programme, and preserve free movement gains within an increasingly reconfigured space. Between consolidation and adaptation, the organisation’s credibility is at stake, as it seeks to maintain integration among 12 members while redefining its relations with the Sahel bloc.
