Germany has pledged €81 million to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in a bid to tackle security issues, bridge infrastructure gaps, and combat climate change in the region. This grant is part of a long-standing commitment, totaling €500 million over the past decade.
During a press conference in Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President, Omar Touray, welcomed the support from Germany, emphasizing the significance of addressing key sectors like peace, climate resilience, sustainable development, and healthcare.
Touray highlighted the pressing challenges of insecurity and infrastructure deficits in the region, expressing ECOWAS’s determination, with Germany’s backing, to confront these issues head-on. He underlined the interconnectedness of the regions, emphasizing that collaborative efforts are crucial for progress.
One notable initiative discussed involves linking electricity production across West Africa from a center in Cotonou, Benin. This project aims to provide more affordable electricity to West African countries, ultimately benefiting the entire bloc.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during his visit to Nigeria, affirmed the importance of cooperation with ECOWAS in areas including electricity, healthcare, peace, and security. He stressed the commitment to peace and denounced military coups in the ECOWAS region.
Scholz’s visit to ECOWAS was part of his two-day trip to Nigeria, demonstrating a dedication to strengthening ties and partnerships. Discussions centered on various sectors, including agriculture, ICT, infrastructure, climate change, energy, trade, and the facilitation of goods and services within ECOWAS and the EU.
The visit served as a platform for the German Chancellor and accompanying business executives to engage in dialogues about existing and potential areas of collaboration.
