Germany Commits €49 Million to ECOWAS for Peace, Security and Development

Germany has reaffirmed its strategic partnership with the Economic Community of West African States with a fresh commitment of 49 million euros to support peace, security, economic development and health across West Africa.

The commitment was the outcome of bilateral development cooperation negotiations held at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja on November 4 and 5, 2025, according to a statement published by the ECOWAS Commission.

The German delegation was led by Ambassador Annett Günther, Germany’s envoy to Nigeria and ECOWAS, and Christoph Rauh, Director for Africa at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The ECOWAS side was led by Vice President Damtien L. Tchintchibidja.

The new funding comprises 32.8 million euros for financial cooperation projects and 16.2 million euros for technical cooperation projects.

Germany has been a partner of ECOWAS since 1985 and currently funds bilateral technical and financial cooperation projects with the bloc worth approximately 494 million euros.

Tchintchibidja said the negotiations built on previous rounds held in Berlin in September 2023 and bilateral consultations in Abuja in 2024.

“Through our efforts and equitable partnerships, we are working assiduously towards deeper integration, enhanced peace and security with the ultimate goal of building an inclusive, resilient and prosperous region,” she said.

Günther said Germany’s cooperation with ECOWAS was about more than funding. “Our cooperation is not only about financial support and projects, but about empowering institutions, strengthening democracy, and improving the lives of people across the region,” she said.

Rauh said the partnership reflected shared priorities. “Together, we are building bridges between people, economies, and institutions for a better future,” he said.

The discussions covered peaceful and inclusive societies, regional economic integration, climate and energy transition, and health.

Both sides also addressed challenges including political transitions, economic pressures and the need for institutional reform, and affirmed commitment to ECOWAS Vision 2050 and Germany’s Africa Strategy.

The partnership has also produced tangible results on the ground. In March 2026, ECOWAS and Germany closed a pilot project in The Gambia under the Regional Stabilisation and Development Fund, handing over infrastructure including dormitories for technical training schools, fish-smoking facilities, boreholes and irrigation systems.

The project was funded with 13 million euros from Germany and 1.2 million dollars from ECOWAS.

More recently, in October 2026, ECOWAS received Stefan Rossel as Germany’s new accredited ambassador, with the commission saying the ceremony underscored shared commitment to deepening cooperation in regional integration, peace and security, and sustainable development.