Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has highlighted ten major outcomes of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, describing the decisions reached in Lungi as significant milestones for regional integration, economic transformation, peace, and cooperation across West Africa.
The summit, hosted by Sierra Leone on 19 July 2026, brought together Heads of State, senior government officials, development partners, and business leaders to deliberate on the future of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). According to Dr. Sengeh, the resolutions adopted during the gathering demonstrate the region’s collective commitment to strengthening unity and accelerating sustainable development.
Among the key achievements was the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP). The ambitious project is expected to extend the existing West African Gas Pipeline beyond Ghana through several West African countries to Morocco, creating new opportunities for regional energy security, industrial growth, and cross-border economic cooperation.
Another major decision was the adoption of the Presidential Declaration on Advancing Gender Parity in Political Representation across ECOWAS Member States. Dr. Sengeh noted that Sierra Leone’s Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment legislation, which guarantees at least 30 percent women’s representation in politics and governance, serves as an important example for the region as more countries pursue inclusive leadership.
The summit also endorsed the Declaration of Commitment for the Compact on the Future of Regional Integration, a strategic framework intended to guide the implementation of ECOWAS Vision 2050. The compact outlines practical measures aimed at deepening cooperation among member states while promoting peace, economic resilience, innovation, and sustainable development.
On regional economic integration, ECOWAS leaders reaffirmed their determination to introduce the ECO single currency in 2027. The proposed common currency is expected to simplify cross-border trade, strengthen regional markets, and reduce barriers to economic growth among member countries.
Security and emergency preparedness also featured prominently during the summit with the commissioning of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi. The facility is expected to improve the regional body’s capacity to respond quickly to security threats, humanitarian crises, and public health emergencies across West Africa.
The Authority further approved several institutional decisions, including the appointment of a new President of the ECOWAS Commission alongside other statutory office holders, while the position of Vice President of the Commission remains pending.
The meeting also marked the participation of Guinea’s President, General Mamadi Doumbouya, in an ECOWAS summit for the first time since political developments in his country. Benin’s President, Romuald Wadagni, likewise attended his inaugural ECOWAS summit as Head of State, signalling continued diplomatic engagement within the regional bloc.
Business and private sector investment also received considerable attention after President of the ECOWAS Business Council, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, reaffirmed his intention to invest billions of dollars across Africa. He encouraged regional leaders to create an enabling environment capable of attracting greater investment and accelerating industrial development.
In addition, ECOWAS leaders agreed to support Ghana’s proposal to place the issue of ongoing xenophobic attacks against Africans, particularly West African nationals in South Africa, on the agenda of the forthcoming African Union Assembly. The move seeks to encourage continental dialogue and identify lasting solutions to protect the rights and safety of African citizens.
The summit concluded with broad international participation, including ten Presidents, two Vice Presidents, a Foreign Minister, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, ECOWAS Chief Negotiator Dr. Lansana Kouyaté, senior regional officials, diplomats, and representatives from the private sector.
Dr. Sengeh said the outcomes of the summit reaffirm ECOWAS’ commitment to building a more integrated, peaceful, prosperous, and resilient West Africa while positioning Sierra Leone as an active contributor to shaping the future of regional cooperation.