ECOWAS at 50: Regional Bloc Unveils 2050 Vision in Lagos Celebration
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Tuesday marked its 50th anniversary with high-level commemorative events in Lagos, Nigeria, where the organisation was originally founded on May 28, 1975.
Held under the theme, “Stronger Together for a Brighter Future,” the golden jubilee celebration was used as a platform to unveil ECOWAS’ long-term strategic vision for the year 2050. The plan aims to transform the regional bloc from an “ECOWAS of States” into an “ECOWAS of the People”, promoting deeper integration, inclusivity, and citizen engagement across the West African subregion.
The celebrations commenced with a symbolic re-enactment of the original treaty signing at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island the same venue where 15 founding Heads of State signed the Treaty of Lagos in 1975.
In his remarks, ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Touray, described the 2050 vision as a shift from state-centric governance to a citizen-driven agenda, focusing on peace, prosperity, and sustainable development for the region’s over 300 million people.
The commemoration also featured a grand ceremony at Eko Hotel and Suites, attended by dignitaries, heads of regional organisations, partner institutions, and former ECOWAS leaders. A high-level roundtable titled “ECOWAS, an African Model @50: Resilience and Future Prospects” rounded off the day’s events, offering reflections on the bloc’s achievements and the challenges it must overcome.
Historical Background and Membership Changes
ECOWAS was established with the core mandate to promote economic cooperation and integration among member states. Founding members included Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and 11 others. Cape Verde joined in 1977, while Mauritania, the only Arabic-speaking member, withdrew in 2000 but later signed an associate membership agreement in 2017.
However, the union currently consists of 12 active members following the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in the wake of recent political upheavals and deteriorating relations with the bloc.
Economic Potential and Structural Transformation
The region boasts a combined GDP of over $734 billion, with economic integration strategies spanning transport, energy, agriculture, commerce, and telecommunications. In 2007, the ECOWAS Secretariat was restructured into a Commission to improve efficiency and leadership. The Commission is headed by a President, Vice President, five Commissioners, and an Auditor-General.
ECOWAS’ operations are largely funded through a 0.5% community levy on imports from non-member countries.
A Vision for the Future
The ECOWAS Vision 2050 places emphasis on strengthening regional peace and security, fostering inclusive development, enhancing democratic governance, and increasing citizens’ participation in policy-making processes. According to the Commission, future projects will prioritise cross-border cooperation, regional infrastructure, digital transformation, and youth empowerment.
Despite achievements in conflict mediation and trade facilitation, the bloc continues to grapple with political instability in some member states, security challenges in the Sahel, and stalled progress on the long-envisioned single currency, the “ECO”.
The 50th anniversary events were as much about celebration as they were about introspection, with leaders calling for renewed commitment to the founding ideals of unity, cooperation, and collective self-reliance.
As ECOWAS turns 50, the central question remains whether it can realise its 2050 vision and truly become a community led by and for the people of West Africa.
Reference
ECOWAS at 50: Regional Bloc Unveils 2050 Vision in Lagos Celebration