By Razaq Mohammed
The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, and the African Development Bank, AfDB, have begun high-level consultations on extending the Regional Integration Strategy Paper, RISP, for West Africa from 2020 to 2027.
The three-day meeting is taking place at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja.
AfDB Director-General for West Africa, Mr Lamin Barrow, said the extension is crucial to sustaining ongoing projects and unlocking new investments across the sub-region.
He highlighted that the RISP has supported cross-border infrastructure, trade facilitation, and regional value chains, and continuity would consolidate these gains.
Welcoming participants, ECOWAS Commission President, Dr Omar Touray, praised the AfDB for its support in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, trade, education, and energy.
He noted the need to align the extended strategy with emerging challenges, including security, climate change, energy transition, and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Officials will review progress under the current RISP, identify funding gaps, and prioritize projects to boost economic integration, job creation, and competitiveness in West Africa.
The outcomes of the consultations are expected to guide AfDB’s future financing for the region and strengthen ECOWAS efforts toward a more connected and prosperous West Africa.
