Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye presented an update on West African integration efforts at the African Union's eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in El-Alamein, Egypt. As the current chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Faye highlighted plans for a regional single currency, enhanced security cooperation, and easier movement of citizens. The meeting, which opened on October 4, brought together African Union leaders and representatives of regional economic communities to review progress on continental integration and the implementation of the AU's Agenda 2063 priorities.
Faye's presentation emphasized the "Pact for the Future" adopted by ECOWAS leaders in Lungi, Sierra Leone, in July. This pact serves as a framework for building a more resilient regional bloc, focusing on economic transformation, peace and security, science and technology, opportunities for young people and women, institutional reform, and the region's strategic position. The initiative aims to reshape ECOWAS and strengthen regional integration after years of challenges.
A key aspect of ECOWAS' agenda is the proposed single currency, slated for launch in 2027. According to Faye, ECOWAS leaders have committed to introducing the currency in countries that meet the required economic convergence conditions and are ready to participate. Other countries will receive support to meet the criteria. This development is part of broader efforts to enhance regional cooperation and economic integration.
Faye also highlighted measures to facilitate easier movement across West Africa, including the ECOWAS biometric identity card. He noted progress in connecting electricity networks across 15 West African countries as another area of regional cooperation. These initiatives aim to promote economic integration, improve living standards, and strengthen regional ties.
Security remains a pressing concern for the bloc, with Faye emphasizing ECOWAS' efforts to strengthen collective security mechanisms in response to terrorism. The bloc is also continuing dialogue with the Alliance of Sahel States to preserve relations between West African peoples and protect the gains made through regional integration. Faye's remarks underscored the importance of addressing security challenges to ensure regional stability.
Faye praised Ghana and Togo for their role in advancing African positions at the United Nations, including a declaration on the trafficking of Africans and the "Correcting the Map" resolution. He also called for greater efforts to ensure African economies benefit from the continent's resources by processing more raw materials locally and developing infrastructure corridors linking markets. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was also discussed.
Under Senegal's leadership, ECOWAS aims to bring its members closer together and place citizens at the center of the regional integration project. Faye assumed the chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at the bloc's July summit in Lungi, while Senegalese General Birame Diop took over as president of the ECOWAS Commission. The bloc is working to translate its commitments into practical economic, security, and mobility measures.
Key points
- ECOWAS plans to launch a single currency in 2027
- Senegal's President Faye praises Ghana and Togo for advancing African positions at the UN
- ECOWAS is strengthening collective security mechanisms in response to terrorism
