The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commemorated its landmark 50th anniversary with a prestigious event held at the African Union Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The ceremony, which took place on June 12, 2025, was organized by the ECOWAS Permanent Representation to the African Union in collaboration with the ECOWAS Group of Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives in Addis Ababa.
The milestone event brought together key regional and international stakeholders to reflect on five decades of ECOWAS’ achievements, ongoing challenges, and future prospects for regional integration in West Africa.
The celebration was graced by prominent leaders, including H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and H.E. Selma M. Haddadi, Vice-President of the African Union Commission. In their remarks, both leaders underscored the importance of deepening regional cooperation and strengthening ECOWAS’ role in promoting peace, economic development, and political stability across West Africa.
A central highlight of the event was a panel discussion themed “ECOWAS at 50: Successes, Challenges, and Prospects for Deepening Regional Integration in West Africa.” The conversation examined the regional bloc’s accomplishments since its establishment in 1975, current socio-political and economic challenges, and the strategic path ahead for sustainable growth and unity in the region.
Participants at the ceremony included representatives from African Union member states, non-African diplomatic missions, officials and staff of the African Union Commission, the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU), the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), and other international partners.
The 50th anniversary of ECOWAS serves as a pivotal moment for the sub-regional organization to reaffirm its commitment to fostering greater integration, regional security, and economic resilience in the face of emerging global and continental challenges.
