From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with Germany, Spain, and the European Union, has launched four projects worth £110 million to drive peace and development in the West African region.
The joint projects cover four areas, which include Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG), implementation of the AfCFTA/Trade in Services Programme, Organisational Development/Institutional Support, and Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA).
Speaking at the event in Abuja, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, said the projects will drive peace and development in the West African region.
She added that Germany has been assisting ECOWAS for the past twenty years to ensure regional development to enhance political stability.
“What we witnessed today is a Team Europe approach; the projects, which will cost €110m, fifty percent of it is being funded by Germany. It is our vision to make a difference for people on the ground, and that is what we have been doing,” she stated.
On her part, the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs María Higón Velasco, said that the projects will foster integration, peace, and development among the region.
According to her, the projects will also address violence in electoral processes in the region.
In his contribution, the representative from the European Union (EU), Mr Gautier Mignot, explained that the four projects, worth about one hundred and ten million euros, will stimulate trade and development within the West African region, with a focus on fostering inclusive economic growth.
Meanwhile, in his welcome address, the president of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, said the projects will strengthen peace and security in the region.
He added that they cover all the conflict angles of the region, including democracy and security.