West African leaders convened in Abuja on Sunday for the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, adopting sweeping measures to advance regional integration, strengthen democracy, accelerate economic transformation, and address mounting security threats across the sub-region.
The summit, chaired by President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, brought together Presidents, Vice Presidents, Foreign Ministers, and senior officials from ECOWAS, UEMOA, the African Union, and the United Nations. Among the attendees were the Presidents of Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo, as well as Vice Presidents of Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria, and Foreign Ministers from Benin and Liberia.
Other key participants included H.E. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission; H.E. Abdoulaye Diop, President of the UEMOA Commission; and representatives from the African Union and UNOWAS.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
During a special session reflecting on ECOWAS’ 50-year journey, leaders recognized both achievements and shortcomings. They reaffirmed commitments to youth and women empowerment, digital and economic transformation, stronger connectivity, peace and security, democratic governance, and equitable partnerships. Leaders also emphasized the need to update key ECOWAS texts to better reflect contemporary realities and the aspirations of West African citizens.
Economic and Monetary Agenda
Leaders welcomed the resilience of ECOWAS economies in 2025, citing improved growth, easing inflation, and ongoing fiscal consolidation. Member states were urged to sustain reforms, increase domestic resource mobilization, and improve public spending efficiency.
A major topic was the launch of the ECOWAS single currency, the ECO. Concern was expressed over weak macroeconomic convergence and delays in implementing the roadmap, with less than two years remaining before the target date. Member states were urged to adopt policies to meet convergence criteria, while the ECOWAS Commission was directed to reactivate the Presidential Task Force on the Single Currency Programme.
Integration and Mobility
The summit commended Nigeria for rolling out the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, a key milestone for regional integration and security. Leaders urged the remaining member states to implement the card to ensure seamless mobility.
Trade and market integration also featured prominently. ECOWAS and UEMOA Commissions were directed to harmonize rules of origin under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme and resolve issues around the community solidarity levy. Member states were encouraged to fast-track implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to maximize benefits from continental trade.
Energy and Transport
Leaders welcomed the historic synchronization of power systems across 15 West African countries under the West African Power Pool (WAPP) in November 2025 but expressed concerns over payment defaults by member companies. Member states were urged to settle arrears to ensure the sustainability of the regional electricity market.
On air transport, the Authority directed a 25 percent reduction in passenger and security charges and the removal of non-compliant taxes on services, effective January 1, 2026, to boost intra-regional trade and tourism.
Democracy, Peace, and Security
Despite regional stability, leaders voiced concerns over geopolitical pressures. They welcomed ongoing electoral processes and particularly emphasized Guinea’s upcoming presidential elections on December 28, 2025. Sierra Leone’s progress on implementing the Agreement for National Unity, including electoral reforms and confidence-building measures, was also commended.
The summit condemned recent unconstitutional changes of government, including the coup in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin, warning of possible ECOWAS sanctions if constitutional order is not restored. Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh was also cautioned against actions from exile that could threaten regional peace.
Security threats in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings, were highlighted. ECOWAS pledged $2.85 million in aid to frontline states and ordered urgent operationalization of a Regional Counterterrorism Brigade and strengthened intelligence and defense cooperation.
Humanitarian and Institutional Actions
The summit directed ECOWAS to mobilize resources for the evacuation of citizens stranded in Libya and Algeria. Key statutory positions for 2026–2030 were allocated, Ghana was endorsed for the AU Chairperson role in 2027, and the West African Health Organisation headquarters was relocated to Côte d’Ivoire. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger were admitted as non-ECOWAS members of GIABA, subject to compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards.
The Authority concluded the summit by praising President Julius Maada Bio for his leadership, particularly his commitment to regional integration, peace, and security. The date and venue of the next Ordinary Session will be announced later.
