President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has been appointed the new Chairman of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for a one-year term. The announcement was made at the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority, held on Sunday in Abuja, Nigeria.
The high-level summit brought together regional leaders and dignitaries to review progress and chart the course for deeper cooperation across the region. During the meeting, participants paid tribute to the founding fathers of ECOWAS, celebrating their vision for what is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most dynamic regional blocs.
In a symbolic handover ceremony, outgoing Chairman and President of Nigeria, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, passed the mantle of leadership to President Bio. In his acceptance, President Bio reaffirmed his commitment to a reformed, united, and people-centered ECOWAS.
The summit placed a strong emphasis on regional peace and stability, with the Heads of State calling for enhanced coordination, stronger political will, and bold collective action to address the challenges facing West Africa. The leaders also reiterated ECOWAS’s commitment to continued engagement with the three member states that have withdrawn from the bloc, with the aim of encouraging dialogue and reconciliation.
In a forward-looking agenda, the summit also underscored the importance of empowering the private sector as a driver of sustainable economic growth, job creation, and regional integration.
As ECOWAS enters a new chapter under President Bio’s leadership, the regional body remains focused on fostering unity, deepening cooperation, and delivering tangible benefits to its citizens.
