Forty-three years after the creation of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), regional integration remains a work in progress. Despite its 11 member states, the region continues to face insecurity, political tensions, weak connectivity and barriers to trade. As Central Africa marks the community’s anniversary and Regional Integration Day celebrated from 18 to 20 October 2026, its current chair, Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, calls for renewed commitment, stronger cohesion and urgent action to translate regional ambitions into tangible results.
Forty-three years after its creation in 1983, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), comprising 10 countries and more than 200 million people across 6.67 million square kilometers, continues to face insecurity, political tensions and barriers to trade. As the region marks its anniversary and Regional Integration Day from 18 to 20 October 2026, ECCAS chair Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is calling for stronger cohesion and faster action. The bloc’s 2026–2030 roadmap prioritises peace, trade, infrastructure and human development to advance regional integration by 2050.
We must live this day of regional integration in Central Africa not as a simple celebration, but as an urgent call to action, to cohesion and the transformation of our community space.
Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Current Chair of ECCAS
According to ECCAS’s 2026–2030 roadmap, deeper regional integration requires stronger trade links, improved transport and energy infrastructure, and fewer barriers to the movement of goods and people to advance the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). ECCAS President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has also urged member states to honour their financial commitments to ensure the community can implement its regional programmes and strengthen Central Africa’s participation in the continental market.
Regional integration has a cost. We must all make the best efforts to honour the financial commitments that allow ECCAS to achieve its objectives.
Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Current Chair of ECCAS
As ECCAS marks 43 years, the challenge is turning regional commitments into tangible results. According to ECCAS country economy report, the bloc’s combined GDP is estimated at approximately €297.8 billion in 2026. Realising this economic potential across its 10 member states will require sustained political will, reliable financing and effective implementation of shared policies to reduce trade barriers, improve connectivity and expand economic opportunities for Central African citizens.
