Directors of institutions and agencies of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are meeting in Lagos, Nigeria, from September 21 to 30. The meeting aims to harmonize and finalize the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 2027-2029. This exercise will also pave the way for the review and approval of the ECOWAS 2027 Programme Budget. The meeting was opened by the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Oluwatosin Anthony Ogunjimi.
The strategic priorities of ECOWAS' new management were outlined by Vice-President Ogunjimi, who emphasized that they are designed to sharpen the Community's focus on key results requiring accelerated action during the 2026-2030 period. He noted that 2026 is a year of transition and strategic reprioritization, with 2027 expected to mark the first full year of implementation of the new management's priorities. The priorities do not replace ECOWAS Vision 2050 or the Community Strategic Framework 2023-2027.
The retreat aims to produce a more aligned and prioritized expenditure framework for the 2027-2029 period. It will also establish a realistic 2027 work plan supported by feasible procurement and disbursement plans, clear performance indicators and targets, and stronger accountability mechanisms. This framework is expected to strengthen collaboration among ECOWAS institutions and agencies.
The meeting brings together directors of ECOWAS institutions and agencies to align their medium-term expenditure plans with the Community's strategic priorities. The exercise is a crucial step towards ensuring that the Community's resources are utilized efficiently and effectively. The outcome of the meeting is expected to have a positive impact on the implementation of ECOWAS programmes.
According to ECOWAS, the exercise should further strengthen collaboration among its institutions and agencies and establish an agreed framework for monitoring and reporting on the implementation of programmes. The Community's strategic priorities are focused on achieving key results that require accelerated action. The 2027-2029 expenditure plans will be aligned with these priorities.
The Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Oluwatosin Anthony Ogunjimi, officially opened the retreat on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, General Birame Diop. The meeting is a critical step towards ensuring that ECOWAS achieves its strategic objectives. The Community's Vision 2050 and Strategic Framework 2023-2027 provide the overall framework for its development efforts.
The ECOWAS directors' meeting in Lagos will conclude on September 30, 2026. The outcome of the meeting is expected to contribute to the effective implementation of ECOWAS programmes and projects. The Community's ability to align its expenditure plans with its strategic priorities will be crucial in achieving its development objectives.
Key points
- The ECOWAS directors' meeting aims to align 2027-2029 expenditure plans with community priorities.
- The meeting seeks to establish a realistic 2027 work plan with clear performance indicators and targets.
- The exercise aims to strengthen collaboration among ECOWAS institutions and agencies.
