In a decisive move to boost its public image and reconnect with West African citizens, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a transformative communication initiative aimed at aligning its outreach with the region’s evolving socio-political landscape.
communication officers representing the ECOWAS Commission, its institutions, and affiliated agencies gathered in Banjul, The Gambia, for a four-day retreat and capacity-building workshop.
The event, organized by the ECOWAS Directorate of Communication in partnership with GIZ, focused on sharpening digital and strategic communication skills while laying the groundwork for a new regional communication framework.
At the heart of the workshop was the development of a comprehensive ECOWAS Communication Strategy designed to support the ambitious Vision 2050 agenda—an overarching blueprint for regional integration, peace, and sustainable development.
Delivering the opening address, Abdou Kolley, Director of Cabinet in the Office of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, described the retreat as “a major milestone in our collective journey,” referencing its continuity from the previous Communications Retreat held in Lagos in 2024. “It now moves us into a new phase, which is the development of a comprehensive ECOWAS Communication Strategy, fully aligned with the goals and spirit of Vision 2050,” he stated.
Kolley stressed the urgency of transitioning from reactive messaging to a more agile and preemptive communication approach, especially in the face of growing public skepticism.
“We must ensure that the voice of ECOWAS is not only heard, but trusted, valued, and followed,” he declared.
“We must respond with creativity, agility, and cohesion to the pressing challenges of our time—rising misinformation, political polarization, and the growing trust deficit between institutions and citizens.”
The Banjul retreat marks a critical turning point in ECOWAS’s institutional evolution, as the bloc seeks to position itself as a more transparent, engaging, and resilient force in regional affairs.
By rethinking how it communicates with its nearly 400 million citizens, ECOWAS hopes to foster greater public trust and participation in its long-term mission for a unified and prosperous West Africa.
About The Author
