Germany’s New €49 Million Commitment to ECOWAS
Germany has announced a significant financial commitment of €49 million (₦82 billion) to support the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in advancing peace, security, economic development, and health initiatives across the region. This funding marks a new phase in the long-standing partnership between Germany and ECOWAS, aimed at addressing pressing challenges and fostering sustainable growth.
The pledge was made following two days of high-level bilateral negotiations on development cooperation between Germany and ECOWAS, which took place at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, on November 4 and 5, 2025. The discussions brought together senior representatives from both sides, including the German Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Annett Günther, and Christoph Rauh, Director for Africa at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). On the ECOWAS side, the delegation was led by Vice President Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, who emphasized the importance of deeper regional integration and stability amid ongoing economic and political challenges.
During the meeting, Vice President Tchintchibidja highlighted the progress made through the ECOWAS-German cooperation, noting that it had achieved “significant progress” due to a shared vision and stronger coordination among stakeholders. She reiterated the regional body’s commitment to continuing this collaboration and expressed deep appreciation for the support provided by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
“Following the last negotiations of September 2023 in Berlin and the bilateral consultations held in 2024 in Abuja, we are gathered here today to take stock of the achievements and results of the ECOWAS-German cooperation and define priorities and clear perspectives for the next two years,” she said.
Ambassador Annett Günther reaffirmed Germany’s dedication to the region’s peace and prosperity, stating that the country stands firmly with ECOWAS as a trusted partner. She emphasized that the cooperation goes beyond financial support and projects, focusing instead on empowering institutions, strengthening democracy, and improving the lives of people across the region.
BMZ Director Christoph Rauh highlighted the foundation of mutual respect and shared vision that underpins the partnership. He stated that the cooperation aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, create economic opportunities, and strengthen regional solidarity. “Together, we are building bridges between people, economies, and institutions for a better future,” he added.
Key Areas of Focus
The new commitment includes €32.8 million for financial cooperation and €16.2 million for technical cooperation across key areas such as peace and security, health, regional integration, and climate and energy transition. These funds will be used to support initiatives that address the complex challenges facing the ECOWAS region.
Germany has been a reliable partner of ECOWAS since 1985, currently supporting bilateral projects worth about €494 million through agencies such as GIZ, KfW, and PTB. These projects have contributed to strengthening peacebuilding, governance, climate resilience, and pandemic control across West Africa.
A Long-Term Partnership
The collaboration between Germany and ECOWAS reflects a long-term commitment to fostering stability and development in one of the most dynamic regions of the world. As both parties look ahead, they remain focused on creating a more prosperous and secure future for the people of West Africa.