As the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, celebrates its 50th anniversary, Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement is set to host a meeting of experts to reflect on West Africa’s integration journey on October 31 and November 1, 2025.
The meeting, which is scheduled to take place at the Main Auditorium of the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, has as its theme “Reimagining West Africa Regional Cooperation and Integration: Alternative Futures.”
According to a statement by the institute, the event which will bring together policymakers, scholars, and civil society leaders, is being organised in collaboration with African Leadership Centre, Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa, CODESRIA, and WATHI, the West Africa Citizen Think Tank.
The two-day event will also witness the second edition of ‘The African Public Square, APS, as part of efforts to deepening knowledge on African integration as well as appraising the impact and the challenges being faced by ECOWAS.
“This second edition is a follow-up to the success of its inaugural edition, held in London in 2023, which explored Africa’s global agency.
“At the heart of the 50th anniversary discourse lies the paradox of regional integration in Africa, which is a tale of two worlds: the ambitions of states and the lived realities of people. While governments often set the agenda, grassroots interactions continue to outpace formal policies, exposing a widening gap between institutional frameworks and citizen-led integration.
“Meanwhile, the APS debate will feature experts in international development and public policy who will examine ECOWAS’ achievements and challenges including the withdrawal of three member states, effective January 2025. The dialogue aims to inspire fresh thinking and chart a resilient, people-centred path for the region’s future.,” the statement read.
It further noted that ECOWAS has pioneered regional unity through initiatives such as the ECOWAS Passport and protocols on the free movement of persons, goods, and services, adding, however, that persistent insecurity, economic disparities, and weak policy implementation have slowed progress.
“The delayed introduction of a common currency and emerging geopolitical shifts further complicate the integration landscape.
“Vision 2050 articulates a bold ambition to evolve from an ECOWAS of States to an ECOWAS of Peoples. Realising this vision demands renewed political will, inclusive governance, and deliberate efforts to bridge the gap between governments and citizens.
“As the region marks this golden jubilee, the African Public Square offers a timely platform for reflection, dialogue, and renewed commitment towards ensuring that regional integration becomes not only a policy objective but a lived reality for all West Africans,” the statement said.
