On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will formally begin commemorating its 50th anniversary.
According to an ECOWAS Commission release, heads of state and government are anticipated to be the main attraction at the event, which will also include ministers and dignitaries.
The launch’s highlights include the introduction of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee theme and emblem, as well as cultural performances honoring the bloc’s accomplishments and heritage.
As approved by the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State and Government, the launch initiates a year-long series of commemorative events throughout Member States. In a virtual meeting in February 2025, the ECOWAS Administrative and Financial Committee approved the agenda of activities.
More about ECOWAS
ECOWAS was founded in Lagos, Nigeria, on May 28, 1975, with the goal of fostering economic integration and group self-sufficiency among West African countries. Cabo Verde joined in 1977 and was one of the original 15 members. Mauritania quit in 2000 but inked an affiliation agreement in 2017. In January 2025, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso left the bloc.
Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo are among the current members.
ECOWAS, a recognized pillar of the African Economic Community, promotes regional collaboration in important areas like trade, energy, transportation, and agriculture. The total GDP of the region is $734.8 billion.
In order to improve strategic control and leadership, the ECOWAS Secretariat was reorganized into a Commission in 2007. A president, vice president, five commissioners, and an auditor general lead the organization.
A 0.5% community charge on imports from non-Member States serves as the main source of funding for ECOWAS. In addition to advancing its 2050 vision of changing from a “ECOWAS of States” to a “ECOWAS of Peoples,” dedicated to peace and shared prosperity, its programs seek to strengthen integration and remove obstacles.
