ECOWAS directors meet in Lagos from 21 to 30 September 2026 to align a 2027–2029 expenditure framework with the Commission’s 2026–2030 priorities and approve the 2027 programme budget.

The retreat was launched on Monday 21 September by Vice-President H.E. Oluwatosin Anthony Ogunjimi, on behalf of H.E. General Birame Diop, President of the ECOWAS Commission.

In a welcome address, the Vice-Chairperson of the ECOWAS Commission said the new management’s strategic priorities do not replace either the ECOWAS Vision 2050 or the Community Strategic Framework 2023–2027.

He said they are intended instead to focus attention on results that need to be accelerated during 2026–2030, with 2026 positioned as a year of transition and redefinition of priorities and 2027 as the first full year of implementation.

Ogunjimi said the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework must be more than a compilation of proposals or a list of key activities.

In his view it must set out the identified activities, the expected outcomes, the necessary resources and the implementation timetable for the period 2027–2030.

He called for a collective review of proposed interventions to identify areas of collaboration, lead entities and contributing entities, to eliminate duplication and fragmentation, and to direct limited resources towards interventions offering the greatest regional value and the greatest potential impact.

“We must also respect statutory obligations, legal commitments and the most effective ongoing programmes. New proposals must therefore be examined in the light of available resource ceilings, implementation capacities and the opportunity cost of existing commitments,” Ogunjimi said.

The retreat is expected to produce strategic alignment, a definition of priorities, harmonisation and collaboration, and a credible and properly costed expenditure framework.

It is also expected to yield a 2027 work plan based on realistic procurement and disbursement plans, clearly defined performance indicators and objectives, clearly established accountability, and an agreed monitoring and reporting timetable.

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Source: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

By Daniel Inaju - Challydoff Limited · originally published by CLOSING OF ERCA’S INAUGURAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE : FOR AN OPEN, FAIR AND GENUINELY INTEGRATED WEST AFRICAN MARKET