• ECOWAS and Spain’s AECID signed two agreements under a 2025–2028 program.

• The €16 million ($19 million) package targets resilience and regional integration.

• Focus areas include agriculture, energy, infrastructure and gender inclusion.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) on Monday, February 23, signed two agreements under the ECOWAS–AECID 2025–2028 cooperation program.

Backed by €16 million (about $19 million), the partnership “aims to strengthen the resilience of ECOWAS member states, promote inclusion and accelerate regional integration in West Africa,” the regional bloc said on X. The program will focus on rural development, gender equality and equity, and the empowerment of women and girls.

It will also support priority sectors including agriculture and food security, energy access, infrastructure development and institutional capacity building, in alignment with ECOWAS Vision 2050.

A Strategic Partnership for Resilience and Inclusion

ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray described the initiative as “the most significant cooperation concluded with a Regional Economic Community in Africa,” emphasizing that it is based on shared interests rather than an aid-driven approach.

The agreement comes as ECOWAS member states step up joint regional initiatives to deepen economic and agricultural integration. Through its Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, the bloc held a second series of regional meetings from November 26 to December 3, 2025, aimed at accelerating integration, promoting trade, strengthening agricultural productivity, protecting the environment, improving food security and fostering inclusive economic growth.

The sub-region continues to face political tensions following the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. At the same time, member states are seeking to diversify their economies, reduce dependence on raw materials and expand intra-African trade.

Through the two agreements, ECOWAS and AECID say they aim to strengthen institutional capacity across member states and deliver tangible benefits to West African populations, particularly women and girls.

Lydie Mobio