Berlin, May 28 2025: As ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary this May, African voices take centre stage in shaping the discourse on the regional body's legacy and future. APRI - Africa Policy Research Institute, and the Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy, University of Ghana (LECIAD) with the support of the Support to the ECOWAS Commission on Organisational Development (OD) II project, implemented by GIZ, is launching the ECOWAS Policy Analysis Series (EPAS)—a flagship initiative spotlighting African thought leaders and researchers take on the regional body. EPAS aims to critically examine ECOWAS’s evolution over the past five decades from the perspective of academics and citizens and contribute to a forward-looking vision for regional integration in West Africa.
The initiative is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). This pillar of the OD II project aims to strengthen the ECOWAS Commission’s capacity to communicate its impact, foster inclusive dialogue, and thus build trust in the institution’s role in promoting sustainable development across the region.
The initiative commissions 14 policy papers that examine past achievements, challenges and strategic opportunities for ECOWAS’ regional integration amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape and analyses how current norms, practices and partnerships can be adapted to address key challenges.
Marrying Policy and Real-World Perspectives
Authored by a diverse group of African scholars, young academics and practitioners with deep, hands-on experience in West African policy issues, both within the region and internationally, the series spans 11 major themes, including democracy and governance, trade and industrialization, peace and security, critical infrastructure, climate-energy transition and gender.
The papers will be published in June - July 2025 on APRI website.
We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of our co-editor, Christopher Ogunmodede.
Project contact:
Dr. Amandine Gnanguenon,
Senior Fellow and Head of the Geopolitics and Geoeconomics Program
LinkedIn: Africa Policy Research Institute
X:@APRI_Africa
Instagram: afripoli
Media Contact:
Vincent Reich
Africa Policy Research Institute
Email: press@afripoli.org
About APRI
APRI is a nonpartisan and independent think tank that conducts research on key policy issues affecting Africa and African countries. APRI aims to provide insights to the policy-making processes of Germany and the European Union on African affairs. APRI also offers policy options to African leaders and civil society actors.
