Germany has committed €49 million (₦82 billion) to support the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in advancing peace, security, health, and economic development across the region. The agreement follows bilateral development cooperation talks held on November 4–5, 2025, at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
The renewed commitment underscores Germany’s long-standing partnership with ECOWAS, dating back to 1985, and aims to strengthen regional stability, governance, and economic integration. The funding includes €32.8 million for financial cooperation and €16.2 million for technical cooperation, targeting institutional reform, climate-friendly energy transition, regional trade, and pandemic prevention.
The high-level negotiations brought together ECOWAS Vice President Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, German Ambassador Annett Günther, and BMZ Africa Director Christoph Rauh, who reaffirmed their shared vision for a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous West Africa.
Vice President Tchintchibidja commended Germany for its consistent partnership and longstanding support, noting that the renewed cooperation defines clear priorities and perspectives for the next two years. She emphasized that through equitable partnerships, ECOWAS and Germany are working toward deeper integration, enhanced peace, and inclusive prosperity.
Ambassador Günther highlighted Germany’s enduring commitment to West Africa’s stability, stating that the partnership is not only about financial support and projects, but about empowering institutions, strengthening democracy, and improving lives across the region.
Mr Rauh echoed these sentiments, stressing that the cooperation reflects mutual respect and a shared vision to promote peace, economic opportunity, and regional solidarity.
Germany’s cumulative support to ECOWAS now exceeds €494 million, channelled through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and its implementing agencies — GIZ, KfW, and PTB. Both parties reaffirmed their alignment with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and Germany’s Africa Strategy, pledging to address regional challenges such as political transitions, economic pressures, and institutional reforms through dialogue, technical assistance, and citizen engagement.
The renewed partnership signals a deepened commitment to Africa-led solutions for sustainable peace, governance, and development in West Africa.
