Germany has pledged €49 million to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to support security initiatives and regional development across West Africa.
The announcement was made during a joint press briefing by German and ECOWAS officials, highlighting the importance of strengthening peace, stability, and economic resilience in the region.
The funding will be allocated to programs aimed at combating terrorism, enhancing border security, and improving governance structures in member states. Officials also noted that part of the contribution will support socioeconomic development projects, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure, to address root causes of insecurity.
“Germany remains committed to working closely with ECOWAS to foster sustainable peace and development,” a German representative said. “Our support reflects the shared responsibility to ensure security and prosperity in West Africa.”
ECOWAS Secretary-General, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, welcomed the pledge, emphasizing that international cooperation is critical for the region’s stability. He stated that the funds would strengthen ECOWAS’s capacity to coordinate security operations and implement development programs effectively.
The €49 million pledge is part of Germany’s broader strategy to support peace and security on the African continent, complementing existing partnerships with regional organizations and member states.
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Touray also highlighted the significance of addressing the socioeconomic factors that fuel conflict, noting that development initiatives are essential to creating long-term stability. “Security and development are inseparable,” he said. “Investing in education, healthcare, and livelihoods is key to reducing the appeal of violent extremism.”
The initiative is expected to enhance collaboration between ECOWAS member states, improve intelligence sharing, and provide technical support for security forces tackling threats from terrorist groups and organized crime networks.
Analysts say Germany’s contribution signals growing international recognition of ECOWAS’s role as a stabilizing force in West Africa and underscores the importance of multi-lateral support in addressing complex security and development challenges.
The pledge comes at a time when West Africa faces mounting security threats, including insurgency in the Sahel, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and intercommunal conflicts, highlighting the need for coordinated regional responses backed by international partners.
Officials from both Germany and ECOWAS confirmed that detailed implementation plans will be rolled out in the coming months, ensuring that the funds are deployed transparently and achieve measurable impact across the region.