ECOWAS Vice-President Hosts German Bundestag delegation as decades- of relationship comes under renewed focus on regional integration, economic development and stability By Raymond Enoch

The Vice-President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, His Excellency Mr Anthony Oluwatosin Ogunjimi, has reaffirmed the strategic importance of the organisation’s longstanding partnership with Germany, signalling renewed determination to translate diplomatic engagement into practical outcomes for West Africa.

Ogunjimi gave the assurance on Thursday, October 29, 2026, when he received a delegation from the German Bundestag’s Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development, led by His Excellency Dr Wolfgang Stefinger, in Abuja, Nigeria.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, His Excellency General Birame Diop, the Vice-President used the engagement to underscore the importance of sustained dialogue, institutional cooperation and purposeful partnerships in advancing the region’s economic and political integration.

The meeting brought together representatives of the German Federal Parliament and senior officials of the ECOWAS Commission, including the Secretary-General of the ECOWAS Parliament, commissioners and directors from various departments.

Beyond its diplomatic significance, the visit provided an opportunity for the Commission to articulate its strategic priorities, discuss the challenges confronting West Africa and explore areas where closer cooperation with Germany could deliver measurable benefits to the region.

At the centre of the engagement was a shared recognition that regional integration requires more than political declarations. It depends on effective institutions, sustained investment, coordinated development initiatives and partnerships capable of responding to the economic, security and social realities confronting West African countries.

For Ogunjimi, the engagement offered an opportunity to reinforce the ECOWAS Commission’s commitment to building partnerships that connect regional ambitions with practical development outcomes.

The Vice-President and the German delegation leader, Dr Stefinger, reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation founded on trust, constructive dialogue and concrete action, with particular emphasis on economic cooperation, sustainable development and regional integration.

Their discussions also highlighted the continuing relevance of international partnerships as ECOWAS works to strengthen its institutions, promote regional stability and advance a more integrated and prosperous West Africa.

The ECOWAS–Germany relationship has developed over several decades, evolving from development assistance into a broad partnership encompassing economic integration, peace and security, institutional strengthening and sustainable development.

According to the ECOWAS Commission, Germany has supported the regional organisation since 1985, making it one of its longstanding international development partners.

The partnership has been implemented through Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and development institutions, including the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the development bank KfW and the national metrology institute PTB.

Over the years, the cooperation has supported initiatives in organisational development, trade facilitation, regional stabilisation, conflict prevention, electoral assistance, climate resilience and the strengthening of regional institutions.

A major milestone came in November 2017, when ECOWAS and Germany signed a Development Cooperation Agreement intended to strengthen the implementation of the Community’s integration programmes.

The agreement followed consultations on political and economic integration and established a framework for further cooperation between the regional organisation and the German government.

The partnership subsequently expanded to address emerging regional challenges, including irregular migration, public health, energy, trade liberalisation and security.

In October 2019, both sides reached further development cooperation agreements covering trade and customs, organisational development, political affairs, peace and security, and a proposed Regional Stabilisation and Development Fund for fragile areas within ECOWAS member states.

Germany also reaffirmed its support for regional trade mechanisms, including the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and Common External Tariff, which are central to efforts to facilitate the movement of goods and strengthen economic integration.

The relationship received further high-level visibility in August 2018 when German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja to discuss matters of mutual interest and strengthen existing cooperation.

Subsequent engagements, including the February 2024 meeting between ECOWAS Commission President Dr Om