Meeting in Freetown for the 96th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States on 16 and 17 July, and then on 19 July 2026, for the 69th ordinary session of the Conference, the ECOWAS ministers and subsequently the Heads of State set out several guidelines to strengthen regional integration. From security to the economy, including the ECO and community projects, the recommendations adopted outline the community’s priorities for the coming years.
Gathered on 19 July 2026 in Freetown, ECOWAS Heads of State and Government gave concrete follow-up to the recommendations put forward by the Council of Ministers. At the heart of the decisions: the launch of the ECO in 2027, subject to compliance with the convergence criteria, the acceleration of regional projects in transport, energy, digital technology and water, as well as efforts to strengthen food security. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to operationalising the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Force by 2027.
“You have seen that the majority of the Foreign Ministers took part in this summit, and the decisions that have been taken are decisions that will effectively contribute to this Sunday’s summit, on 19 July, at the Conference of Heads of State. We must above all congratulate Sierra Leone for the success of this Council of Ministers and hope that the decisions of the Conference of Heads of State will contribute to strengthening sub-regional integration, which is a very dear aspiration of ECOWAS.”
ROBERT DUSSEY, Minister of Foreign Affairs – Togo
On the institutional front, the Heads of State adopted the Declaration of Commitment on the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa. They also signed the intergovernmental agreement on the Atlantic African Gas Pipeline, as well as a presidential declaration in favour of gender parity in political representation. The conference also called on member states to settle their outstanding community contributions in order to safeguard the organisation’s financial stability. The leaders regarded these measures as essential levers for strengthening regional cohesion, resilience and integration.
“During this session, we were able to address various issues and major matters relating to regional integration. Côte d’Ivoire reaffirmed its commitment to the ideals of peace, security and democracy. Côte d’Ivoire also expressed its full willingness to support countries in the sub-region that are engaged in a democratic process, so that they can complete their commitment to this process.”
Nialé Kaba, Minister of State, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – Côte d’Ivoire
Security issues also featured prominently. In the face of terrorism, banditry and kidnappings, the leaders reaffirmed their determination to strengthen the collective response and called for increased support for populations affected by conflicts. They also welcomed progress on energy initiatives and acknowledged the positive macroeconomic trends observed in 2026. For the leaders, the objective is now to move from political commitments to tangible results for the people.
“We observed that this was one of the most well-attended Executive Council meetings in recent times within our Community, demonstrating the renewed enthusiasm of member states for the work of the Community. This meeting was therefore a real success, with the participation of nearly 100% of the Foreign Ministers of the member states.
Timothy Musa Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs – Sierra Leone
These decisions follow the 96th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers, held on 16 and 17 July in Freetown. The ministers examined the Community’s financial, political and security situation, the 2027–2030 action plan on the return of cultural property to their countries of origin, as well as the operationalisation of ECOWAS-ECOSOCC. They were tasked with putting forward practical recommendations on regional integration, peace, security, economic development and institutional reforms. Two days later, the Heads of State therefore turned several of these orientations into decisions, with a clearly stated ambition: to move from declarations to imple
