The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday opened the 39th meeting of its Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) in Freetown, Sierra Leone, with senior officials undertaking a critical review of the bloc’s financial management, administrative systems and institutional performance as the regional body seeks to strengthen its capacity amid evolving political and economic challenges.
The three-day meeting, scheduled for July 12 to 14, has brought together representatives of the Commission, Community institutions and member states to assess reports on budget implementation, human resource management, finance and administration, with recommendations expected to shape the operations of ECOWAS institutions in the coming year.
The meeting comes some months after ECOWAS marked its 50th anniversary, a milestone that prompted renewed calls for institutional reforms to enable the regional organisation to respond more effectively to security threats, democratic backsliding, economic integration and humanitarian challenges confronting West Africa.
Opening the session, ECOWAS Commission Vice President, Mrs. Damtien Tchintchibidja, said the Golden Jubilee celebration was not merely an occasion to celebrate the achievements of the regional bloc but also an opportunity to reflect on its shortcomings and chart a stronger future.
According to her, the organisation must continue strengthening its institutions if it is to remain effective in delivering on its mandate of regional integration and sustainable development.
Also speaking, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, Dr. Habibu Yaya Bappah, praised the Administration and Finance Committee for what he described as its consistent oversight of the Community’s financial and administrative affairs.
He noted that the committee’s recommendations over the years had contributed significantly to improving
governance standards within ECOWAS, helping position it among Africa’s leading regional economic communities.
Declaring the meeting open, Chairman of the Administration and Finance Committee, Mr. Komba Momoh, reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS and collaborating with member states to advance peace, security, regional integration and sustainable development.
He described the committee as one of the most important organs within the ECOWAS institutional framework because of its responsibility for scrutinising financial, administrative and budgetary matters while ensuring prudent management of Community resources and strengthening accountability across ECOWAS institutions.
The committee’s deliberations are expected to produce recommendations for consideration by ECOWAS decision-making organs as the regional bloc seeks to improve operational efficiency and ensure that limited financial resources are deployed more effectively.
Established in 1975 through the Treaty of Lagos, ECOWAS was created to foster economic integration among West African countries by promoting the free movement of people, goods and services, harmonising economic policies and encouraging regional development. Over the decades, however, the organisation’s mandate has expanded beyond economic cooperation to include peacekeeping, democracy promotion, conflict prevention and humanitarian interventions.
The Administration and Finance Committee plays a central role in sustaining the organisation by examining budgets, monitoring expenditure, reviewing staffing and administrative policies, and ensuring transparency and accountability across ECOWAS institutions. Its recommendations often influence the financial and operational decisions adopted by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
This year’s meeting takes place against the backdrop of one of the most challenging periods in ECOWAS’ history. The bloc continues to grapple with insecurity driven by terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel, political transitions following military coups in parts of the region, and the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the organisation. These developments have intensified calls for stronger institutions capable of supporting effective governance, financial discipline and regional cooperation.
Observers say the outcome of the Freetown meeting could play an important role in strengthening ECOWAS’ institutional resilience as it seeks to reposition itself for its next phase of regional integration and development.
