Germany pledges ₦82bn to boost ECOWAS peace, security efforts

Germany has reaffirmed its partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with a fresh commitment of €49 million, approximately ₦82 billion to bolster peace, security, economic growth, and healthcare initiatives across West Africa.

The new funding pledge was announced following successful bilateral negotiations on Development Cooperation held at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the ECOWAS Directorate of Communication, the agreement underscores both parties’ shared commitment to deepening cooperation in peacebuilding, good governance, institutional strengthening, and sustainable regional development.

Receiving the German delegation led by Christoph Rauh, Director for Africa at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, commended Germany’s continued support for regional stability and development.

Rauh, who spoke during the negotiation meeting, emphasised that peace and security would remain central pillars of ECOWAS–German cooperation.

However, he noted that the new phase of partnership would place stronger focus on stimulating economic and private sector development to drive long-term prosperity across the region.

“We want to build on the existing trust between Germany and ECOWAS to promote sustainable economic growth and empower local institutions,” Rauh said, highlighting that the renewed cooperation aims to create measurable impact in communities affected by insecurity and economic challenges.

In her remarks, Damtien Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, briefed Touray on the progress of the ongoing negotiations, noting that the discussions were aimed at aligning development priorities with ECOWAS’ strategic vision for the region.

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Responding, Touray expressed deep appreciation to the Government and people of Germany for their steadfast partnership, describing the renewed commitment as a reflection of Germany’s confidence in ECOWAS’ leadership and peacebuilding agenda.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to fostering cooperation built on mutual respect, shared ownership, and sustainable outcomes.

“This partnership continues to demonstrate that regional stability and prosperity are achievable through collaboration and shared responsibility,” he said.