ISTANBUL 

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched four initiatives worth more than €105 million (over $120 million), the West African bloc said Wednesday.

The four EU-funded projects aim to strengthen ECOWAS by supporting peace and governance, boosting institutional capacity, improving regional trade competitiveness, and promoting service sector exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Expressing “heartfelt gratitude” to the EU, Germany, and Spain for their “steadfast” support at the launch event in the Nigerian capital Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to regional stability, sustainable development, and citizen-focused governance through partnerships.

Senior representatives from ECOWAS, the EU, Germany, Spain, and implementing partners such as German aid agency GIZ, the UN Industrial Development Organization, the French public agency Expertise France, and the Spanish aid agency AECID, attended the event.

Founded on May 28, 1975, ECOWAS says it works to facilitate collaboration in various sectors, including trade, finance, and security, to foster stability and development in the West African region.

Over the years, the bloc has played a crucial role in addressing regional challenges and advancing the well-being of its member states.