ECOWAS, Spain enhance cooperation through review of 2024-2027 joint priority programmes

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Kingdom of Spain have taken significant steps to strengthen their partnership by reviewing joint priority programmes for the 2024-2027 period.

The review was conducted during a technical working session held on Tuesday, 5th November 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria. The session was jointly organized by the ECOWAS External Relations Directorate and the Spanish Cooperation Office.

This hybrid meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the heads of various ECOWAS technical agencies such as the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), the Centre for Gender Development (CCDG), the ECOWAS Projects and Infrastructure Preparation Unit (PPDU), the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (ARAA), and the Directorate for Education, Science, and Culture of the ECOWAS Commission.

During the meeting, participants reviewed actions and activities related to the 2024-2027 programmes, which focus on priority areas including rural development, sustainable agri-food systems and food security, access to clean energy, gender equality, empowerment of women and girls, connectivity and infrastructure, inclusive economic development, and institutional strengthening.

Mrs. Laura M. Garcia, Regional Cooperation Adviser in the Department of Cooperation with Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the importance of the cooperation between ECOWAS and Spain.

She expressed gratitude for the activities undertaken so far, such as the visit by the Spanish delegation to the ECOWAS Gender Centre in Dakar. “Spain remains committed to supporting ECOWAS in its regional development efforts, particularly through the priority projects identified by both ECOWAS and Spain,” Garcia said.

Mr. Jérôme BOA, Director of External Relations of the ECOWAS Commission, conveyed the full solidarity of ECOWAS with Spain following the tragic flooding events.

He thanked Spain for its continuous support and urged all parties involved to actively participate in the review process to finalize the framework document for priority projects to be implemented by ECOWAS and its agencies.

This review marks a continued commitment to advancing sustainable development, gender equality, and economic growth in West Africa through collaborative efforts between ECOWAS and Spain.