The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) have deepened their collaboration to address emerging threats, including misinformation and insecurity, across West Africa.
The agreement was formalized during high-level talks in Abuja, Nigeria, on 18 July 2025.
ECOWAS Vice President H.E. Damtien Tchintchibidja and ACSS Director Amanda Dory emphasized the need for resilient governance, improved early warning systems, and enhanced human security. The partnership will focus on capacity building, strategic leadership development, and leveraging technology such as artificial intelligence for data analysis and conflict forecasting.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of a unified “One ECOWAS” approach, aligning with the bloc’s peace and security priorities. ACSS pledged support for initiatives involving its alumni network in governance and security roles across member states.
ECOWAS continues to advance its integration agenda, despite recent withdrawals by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The bloc remains committed to fostering economic cooperation and stability among its 12 member states, with a combined GDP of $734.8 billion.
