Despite cheering 50 years of making notable progress in promoting regional integration, connectivity and economic growth, ECOWAS faces unprecedented challenges; Withdrawals of some members, sanctions, and security threats test the bloc's resolve, amidst impactful media coverage, writes REMMY NWEKE in this edition of Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS.
Prologue:
As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrates its 50th anniversary, the bloc's citizens, including OluGbenga, are reflecting on its remarkable journey of regional integration and growth.
Digital Connectivity:
OluGbenga, a 25-year-old entrepreneur, sat in his small office at G-Tech Hub in Yaba-Lagos, surrounded by laptops and mobile phones. He is the founder of the G-Tech Hub, a start-up that provided digital skill training to young people in West Africa.
As he worked on his latest project, OluGbenga could not help but think about the vast potential of the digital landscape in ECOWAS. With some 272,863,978 million internet users in the region as at 2021, according to the Statista, the opportunities for innovation and growth were endless.
Digital Connectivity:
OluGbenga, a 25-year-old entrepreneur, sat in his small office at G-Tech Hub in Yaba-Lagos, surrounded by laptops and mobile phones. He is the founder of the G-Tech Hub, a start-up that provided digital skill training to young people in West Africa.
As he worked on his latest project, OluGbenga could not help but think about the vast potential of the digital landscape in ECOWAS. With some 272,863,978 million internet users in the region as at 2021, according to the Statista, the opportunities for innovation and growth were endless.
But despite the progress made, OluGbenga knew that there were still significant challenges to overcome. Many rural communities lack access to reliable internet connectivity, and the digital divide between urban and rural areas remained a major concern, as well as internet shutdowns in some countries during elections.
Determined to make a difference, OluGbenga partnered with the ECOWAS Commission to launch a digital inclusion initiative. The programme aimed at providing digital skills training to 10,000 young people in rural communities across West Africa.
As the programme gained momentum, OluGbenga saw firsthand the impact that digital connectivity could have on people's lives. He met young entrepreneurs who had started online businesses, farmers who used digital platforms to access markets, and students who had gained access to online educational resources.
The potential for digital growth has been vast. For instance, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector reportedly contributed 4.50% to the region's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) via mobile technologies and services in 2022, according to the ECOWAS Digital Observatory (ECODOB), whose efforts continued to rise in promoting digital inclusion.
As ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary, OluGbenga's work was a testament to the power of digital connectivity in transforming lives. He looked forward to continuing his work, inspired by the potential of the digital landscape to drive growth, innovation, and prosperity in West Africa.
ECOWAS of Peoples:
Established on May 28, 1975, ECOWAS has transformed from an international organization to a community of people, emerging as "ECOWAS of the Peoples: Peace and Prosperity for All." Over the past five decades, the bloc has made significant strides in promoting regional economic integration, peace, and security.
One of ECOWAS' most notable achievements is the successful implementation of its Free Movement Protocol, which was launched in 1976. This protocol allows community citizens the right of abode in any member state, promoting the free movement of goods and services within the region.
ECOWAS has also played a crucial role in promoting peace and security in the region. The bloc's peacekeeping operations, such as its intervention in the Liberian Civil War, have somewhat helped to stabilize the region and promote democratic governance.
Ahead of the Golden Jubilee, ECOWAS leaders and citizens called for renewed commitment to regional integration, progress and challenges, while citizens are savouring the impact recorded, no matter how dismal it may look.
To commemorate this milestone, for instance, Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS gathered from across West Africa, how ECOWAS has impacted the lives of citizens. From farmers in rural villages to entrepreneurs in bustling cities, capturing the diverse experiences and perspectives of West Africans and including the media with training sessions alongside its partners.
On ECOWAS's Single Currency:
Telecoms Clinic@ITREALMS gathered from Fatoumata, a female young entrepreneur from Mali, that eventual creation of the ECOWAS's single currency, the Eco, would make it easier for people like her to trade with other countries in the region and afford them the opportunity to focus on growing their businesses, while jettisoning multiple exchange rates headaches.
Fatoumata's business is a small textile factory that employs about 20 people. She exports her products to countries across the region, and the single currency would simplify her transactions and reduced her costs. Just as Eco would make the business environment favourable, in addition to helping small entrepreneurs like her to grow their businesses and create jobs for the community.
On ECOWAS's Scholarship Programme:
Emmanuel, a brilliant student from Nigeria who benefited from ECOWAS's scholarship programme, said that it enabled him to pursue his dreams and become a master's degree holder in his field like the sustainable energy, expressing gratitude to ECOWAS for the opportunity to study abroad and gain valuable experience.
Through this partnership, ECOWAS offered fully funded Masters scholarships by the European Union in the sustainable energy sector to eligible candidates from ECOWAS Member States in 9 specialized institutions in West Africa countries, including Nigeria, Senegal, Cote D’Ivoire, Togo, Ghana, and Cape Verde. The programme aims to improve access to high-quality training in the sustainable energy sector in West Africa, enabling university graduates with a focus on young professionals (English, French and Portuguese speaking) in the ECOWAS member states, to acquire the profile required to meet the growing demand for specialists, at the highest level, in the field of sustainable energy and to promote good governance of the sector in the region.
Speaking recently during a visit by some students, Mr. Chikodi Onyemerela, Director of Programmes of British Council (Nigeria) stated that since the launch of the scholarship programme in November 2022, it has successfully supported 15 students from Cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Benin who completed their study in Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte D’Ivoire, and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Ghana to advance the course of their careers in the energy sector.
The scholarship programme, he also said, has benefitted eligible students from 11 ECOWAS member states with relevant background in sustainable energy. Stressing, the target is that 75 young researchers from the ECOWAS Region to benefit from advanced knowledge for the development of the Renewable Energy sector.
Aisha's business is a small trading company that exports agricultural products to countries across the region. She is grateful to ECOWAS for creating a favorable trade environment that has enabled her to expand her business and create jobs for her community.
Then comes Kwame, who said that as an intra-regional driver from Ghana, and beneficiary of ECOWAS's infrastructure development projects, which involves investment in road infrastructure across some member states, has improved his livelihood.
Noteworthy is that as at the time of filing this report, about 10 countries out of the total in terms of regional integration have their citizens not requiring visas to travel to any country in the region, while the remaining do require, which is a relatively high level of connectivity and mobility within the region.
Honour for 57 staff:
In line-up to the 50 cheers, ECOWAS recently recognized the exceptional contributions of its staff members to the community's growth and development. A total of 57 staff members were honored, comprising 17 dedicated retirees who have completed their service, 12 personnel who have demonstrated remarkable commitment through their long service, 28 exemplary drivers who have achieved an impressive safety record, driving for 15 years or more without a single accident.
This ceremony highlighted ECOWAS' appreciation for the hard work and dedication of its staff, who are instrumental in driving the Community's progress and success.
Listen to our podcast: ECOWAS @50: Regional Integration, Growth, and Impactful Media - Digital Insights Podcast @ITREALMS
Listen to our podcast: ECOWAS @50: Future Regional Integration and Growth - Digital Insights Podcast @ITREALMS
Challenges Ahead: The Withdrawal of Member States:
However, ECOWAS is currently facing a major challenge with three member states - Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, who have withdrawn from the community. This withdrawal has reduced the number of member states from 15 to 12.
To bring back the withdrawn members, ECOWAS can take several steps including dialogue and diplomacy, reform and restructuring, economic incentives, addressing security concerns, regional cooperation, enhancing democratic governance, and fostering people-to-people diplomacy.
By implementing these strategies, industry watchers anticipate that ECOWAS could create an environment conducive to the return of the withdrawn member states and strengthen regional integration and cooperation.
Conclusion:
ECOWAS has come a long way since its inception in 1975; From promoting regional integration and cooperation to fostering economic development and growth, thus, it has played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of West Africa, under the current leadership which includes its Chairman, Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria; President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray and Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Mohamed Tunis.
As ECOWAS celebrates its 50th anniversary, it's clear that the community faces both opportunities and challenges. From leveraging technology and innovation to addressing climate change and security threats, ECOWAS must navigate complex issues to achieve its vision of a united and prosperous West Africa.
However, despite the challenges, there's a sense of optimism and hope, because, ECOWAS has made significant progress in promoting regional integration and cooperation, and its impact is evident in the lives of citizens across the region; From promoting trade and investment to fostering economic development and growth, ECOWAS has created opportunities for citizens to thrive and prosper.
Moreso, as ECOWAS looks to the future, it's clear that the community must continue to evolve and adapt to the changing needs and circumstances of its member states. By promoting dialogue and diplomacy, reform and restructuring, economic incentives, regional cooperation, and people-to-people diplomacy, ECOWAS can create an environment conducive to the return of the withdrawn member states and strengthen regional integration and cooperation. With its rich history, cultural diversity, and commitment to regional integration, ECOWAS is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of West Africa.
Above all, the future of ECOWAS depends on its ability to promote unity, cooperation, and development among its member states. As the community celebrates its 50th anniversary, it's clear that the next 50 years will be just as exciting and transformative. With determination, resilience, fight against corruption and a commitment to regional integration and cooperation, ECOWAS can achieve its vision of a united and prosperous region.
And like OluGbenga, whose work remains a testament to the power of digital connectivity in transforming lives, he looked forward to continuing his work, inspired by the potential of the digital landscape to drive growth, innovation and prosperity in West Africa.
However, ECOWAS is currently facing a major challenge with three member states - Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, who have withdrawn from the community. This withdrawal has reduced the number of member states from 15 to 12.
To bring back the withdrawn members, ECOWAS can take several steps including dialogue and diplomacy, reform and restructuring, economic incentives, addressing security concerns, regional cooperation, enhancing democratic governance, and fostering people-to-people diplomacy.
By implementing these strategies, industry watchers anticipate that ECOWAS could create an environment conducive to the return of the withdrawn member states and strengthen regional integration and cooperation.
Conclusion:
ECOWAS has come a long way since its inception in 1975; From promoting regional integration and cooperation to fostering economic development and growth, thus, it has played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of West Africa, under the current leadership which includes its Chairman, Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria; President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray and Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Mohamed Tunis.
As ECOWAS celebrates its 50th anniversary, it's clear that the community faces both opportunities and challenges. From leveraging technology and innovation to addressing climate change and security threats, ECOWAS must navigate complex issues to achieve its vision of a united and prosperous West Africa.
However, despite the challenges, there's a sense of optimism and hope, because, ECOWAS has made significant progress in promoting regional integration and cooperation, and its impact is evident in the lives of citizens across the region; From promoting trade and investment to fostering economic development and growth, ECOWAS has created opportunities for citizens to thrive and prosper.
Moreso, as ECOWAS looks to the future, it's clear that the community must continue to evolve and adapt to the changing needs and circumstances of its member states. By promoting dialogue and diplomacy, reform and restructuring, economic incentives, regional cooperation, and people-to-people diplomacy, ECOWAS can create an environment conducive to the return of the withdrawn member states and strengthen regional integration and cooperation. With its rich history, cultural diversity, and commitment to regional integration, ECOWAS is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of West Africa.
Above all, the future of ECOWAS depends on its ability to promote unity, cooperation, and development among its member states. As the community celebrates its 50th anniversary, it's clear that the next 50 years will be just as exciting and transformative. With determination, resilience, fight against corruption and a commitment to regional integration and cooperation, ECOWAS can achieve its vision of a united and prosperous region.
And like OluGbenga, whose work remains a testament to the power of digital connectivity in transforming lives, he looked forward to continuing his work, inspired by the potential of the digital landscape to drive growth, innovation and prosperity in West Africa.
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