The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament says its partnership with the European Parliament will strengthen regional legislative capacity, enhance citizen representation, and improve collaboration with international institutions to address West Africa’s pressing challenges.
The announcement comes as the ECOWAS Parliament marks its 25th anniversary from November through early December 2025. Since its inauguration on 16 November 2000 in Mali, the legislature has been central to advancing democratic values, peace, and economic integration across the sub-region.
The ECOWAS Parliament was first established under a treaty signed in Abuja in 1994, creating a platform for consultation, dialogue, and consensus-building among representatives of member states to promote regional unity and development.
Speaker Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima has been praised for her leadership in driving reforms to position the Parliament as a more effective regional body. Her administration has sought to deepen institutional collaboration with the European Parliament, drawing on its experience in direct elections, budget oversight, and legislative functions.
During a visit to Nigeria from 26 to 28 October 2025, a delegation from the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), led by David McAllister, met with officials of the ECOWAS Parliament to strengthen cooperation on peace, security, and governance.
McAllister said the EU and ECOWAS enjoy a productive relationship that has delivered joint projects in areas such as trade, security, and institutional development.
“The European Parliament remains the only multinational parliament in the world whose members are directly elected. We appreciate ECOWAS’s efforts to enhance accountability and inclusiveness in its regional affairs,” he said.
He noted that while the EU’s legislative powers are broader, both parliaments share a common mission of promoting democratic governance and regional cooperation.
The collaboration includes EU-funded initiatives such as the €27 million Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) project and the €50 million Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) programme, which support ECOWAS efforts in security reforms and trade facilitation.
The EU’s Global Gateway strategy — which invests in Africa’s digital economy, renewable energy, and agriculture — also underpins these partnerships.
As the ECOWAS Parliament reflects on its 25 years of service, activists like Shehu Sani have called for direct elections for its members to strengthen its democratic foundation.
“To be legitimate under democracy, representatives must be elected by the people. The ECOWAS Parliament deserves that legitimacy like any other democratic legislature,” Sani said.
Despite challenges, the ECOWAS Parliament’s growing cooperation with the EU signals a renewed commitment to democratic accountability, regional integration, and sustainable development in West Africa.
