Cabo Verde Hosts ECOWAS Vision 2050 Advocacy Session, Strengthening Citizen Engagement for Regional Integration
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held a significant advocacy and awareness session on its Vision 2050 in Praia, Cabo Verde, on April 27, 2026. This event, led by ECOWAS Vice-President H.E. Damtien L. TCHINTCHIBIDJA, aimed to foster stakeholder ownership and national appropriation of the Community’s long-term strategic framework. It brought together government officials, diplomats, private sector representatives, civil society organizations, and technical and financial partners. The session was part of a coordinated regional sensitization effort occurring simultaneously in Cabo Verde, The Gambia, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Emphasizing Citizen-Centric Development
In her address, Vice-President TCHINTCHIBIDJA highlighted the central role of citizens in the new vision for ECOWAS. She stated, “ECOWAS exists to serve its people, and Vision 2050 is about ensuring that our programmes respond directly to their needs and aspirations.” She noted that as the organization reaches its fiftieth anniversary, it stands at a pivotal moment for reflection and repositioning, emphasizing that “peace and security remain the bedrock upon which all development and integration efforts must stand.”
Dr. Carlos Fernandes Semedo, Cabo Verde’s Director General for External Policy and Regional Integration, reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to regional integration. He asserted that “regional integration cannot remain at the level of governments alone; it must be owned by citizens, the private sector, and civil society.” He underscored Cabo Verde’s strategic contributions in governance, maritime security, renewable energy, tourism, and the blue economy as vital assets for the Community.
Vision 2050: A Collective Ambition
Dr. Kelly Lopes, Acting Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission in Cabo Verde, described Vision 2050 as more than a strategic document; it embodies a collective ambition for a fully integrated, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa. She emphasized that the success of this vision relies on strong leadership, political will, and shared responsibility among all stakeholders.
Dr. Onyinye ONWUKA, Acting Director of the ECOWAS Early Warning Directorate, provided a technical perspective on the Community’s peace architecture. She stated, “Early warning is about collecting and analysing credible data before risks escalate, because prevention is always better than response.” She elaborated that the system is “people-centred,” focusing on human security across governance, health, environment, and security sectors to support informed decision-making at all levels.
Strengthening Early Warning Systems
Vice-President TCHINTCHIBIDJA reiterated the importance of expanding the Early Warning architecture to Cabo Verde. She remarked that “a regional system is only as strong as its weakest link, and Cabo Verde’s full integration into this mechanism is essential.” She welcomed the positive engagement from national authorities towards establishing a national early warning center.
The session also featured a high-level technical presentation on ECOWAS Vision 2050, delivered by Dr. Mamadu MUDJATABA BALDÉ, Head of Planning, Programming and Coordination; Dr. Malick BABAH DAOUDA, Programme Officer for Strategic Development and Analysis; and Ms. Isa Morais Rodrigues, Coordinator of the ECOWAS National Office in Cabo Verde.
Transitioning from Vision 2020 to Vision 2050
The presentation outlined the transition from Vision 2020 to Vision 2050, focusing on five interdependent strategic pillars: peace and security, governance and rule of law, economic integration and interconnectivity, inclusive and sustainable development, and social inclusion. The speakers emphasized the consultative and evidence-based process that underpins the formulation of the vision, highlighting the critical roles of national ownership, institutional coherence, and multi-stakeholder engagement in translating strategic priorities into measurable outcomes.
The presenters also noted that effective implementation will necessitate enhanced coordination mechanisms at the national level, sustained communication efforts, and a citizen-centered approach that bridges regional policy frameworks with local realities across Member States. Participants were informed about key Community achievements, including the free movement protocol, regional energy and digital integration programs, and initiatives supporting human capital development, all of which demonstrate the tangible impact of ECOWAS policies across Member States.
Regional Dynamics and Future Engagement
While the session was firmly rooted in Cabo Verde’s national context, it reflected broader regional dynamics. Parallel engagements in The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire contribute to a synchronized rollout of the Vision 2050 awareness campaign, ensuring coherence, inclusivity, and collective ownership across the Community. The ECOWAS Commission plans to continue engaging Member States and national stakeholders through targeted advocacy, technical dialogue, and institutional support, aiming to translate Vision 2050 into concrete actions that promote peace, prosperity, and sustainable integration for all West African citizens.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-04-29 23:09:00 • By the Editorial Desk
