The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, says the regional bloc recorded an economic growth rate of 4.6 per cent in 2025, despite global economic headwinds, and is projecting growth of about 5 per cent in 2026.
Touray disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with development partners, where he presented highlights of the commission’s 2025 Annual Report.
He said ECOWAS outperformed the continental average in 2025, attributing the performance to structural reforms, increased investment in mining and energy, improved regional trade facilitation, and a strong rebound in services, transport and tourism.
According to him, inflation, though still high in some member states, declined in others due to coordinated monetary policies and improved food supply, while fiscal deficits narrowed as governments strengthened revenue mobilisation and rationalised spending.
Touray added that the region’s debt-to-GDP ratio declined modestly, supported by strong nominal growth and improved macroeconomic management, while the external position remained stable on the back of strong export earnings from oil, gold and bauxite.
He noted that the global economy experienced slower growth in 2025 amid geopolitical tensions, supply chain restructuring and rapid digital and green transitions, but said Africa continued to show resilience.
On peace and security, Touray said ECOWAS intensified preventive diplomacy, mediation and democratic support, even as insecurity remained a major challenge in parts of the region.
He said the bloc continued to manage the implications of the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, while keeping channels open for constructive engagement, although reduced cooperation had complicated counterterrorism efforts.
Touray disclosed that the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff completed the rotation of the Standby Force and strengthened preparations for the Standby Force and the 1,650-strong Counterterrorism Brigade.
He said ECOWAS made progress in economic integration, including the rollout of the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card in seven member states, with Nigeria being the most recent, and the validation of the ECOWAS Visa Online initiative.
Touray reaffirmed the bloc’s zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government and announced the lifting of sanctions on Guinea following satisfactory elections, formally welcoming the country back as a full member of ECOWAS.