ECOWAS INSTITUTIONS AND AGENCIES’ COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS FINALISE ECOWAS INTER-INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION STRATEGY AND INFORMATION POLICY.

Cotonou, Benin Republic, 27 February 2026 — Communication Officers from the ECOWAS Commission, Institutions and Agencies have finalised a new ECOWAS Inter-Institutional Communication Strategy (2026–2030), and information Policy.The new ECOWAS Communication Strategy outlines a structured and strategic approach to effectively communicate the Community’s vision, mandate, priorities and achievements across West Africa. Aligned with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the ambition of building an “ECOWAS of the People,” the strategy positions communication as a critical enabler of citizen engagement, institutional credibility and regional integration.

The Information and Communication Policy, for its part, aims to standardise communication practices, promote the effective use of diverse communication channels, and strengthen internal and external information flows across ECOWAS institutions, specialised agencies, country representations and Member States. The two documents, which  were finalised  during a technical validation workshop held in Cotonou, Benin Republic, from 23 to 27 February 2026, will be submitted to the President of the Commission and the Heads of ECOWAS Institutions for their approval for implementation.

Organised by the Directorate of Communication, ECOWAS Commission, with support from the Government of Germany, the technical validation workshop brought together Communication focal points from ECOWAS Commission, Institutions and agencies. The workshop provided the platform to review the draft documents, ensure alignment with ECOWAS institutional priorities and Vision 2050, incorporate expert technical inputs, and build the consensus required for their successful adoption and implementation across all ECOWAS organs, institutions and agencies.

Delivering a goodwill message during the validation workshop, the Acting Head of Mission at the German Embassy in the Benin Republic, Ms Rike SOHN, reaffirmed the German Government’s continued partnership and support to ECOWAS in strengthening institutional capacities, including communication as a key pillar of effective governance.

“Strong institutions require strong communication. In today’s environment marked by rapid transformation and growing information challenges, communication is central to legitimacy, trust and public service delivery. By strengthening strategic communication capacities, aligning formats and templates and building awareness on ethical digital practices, participants in this validation workshop are contributing directly to a more transparent, credible and citizen-oriented-ECOWAS”,  SOHN  said.

In his closing remarks, the ECOWAS Director of Communication, Mr Joel AHOFODJI, expressed his appreciation to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, for his steadfast support throughout the development and validation process. He also commended communication focal points and GIZ for their valuable contributions to the successful outcome of the exercise.

Speaking during and after the validation workshop, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr Omar Alieu TOURAY, represented by his Senior Adviser, Mr Abdoulie GASSAMA, underscored the significance of the exercise. He noted that the Communication Strategy and the Information and Communication Policy are designed to strengthen ECOWAS visibility, enhance stakeholder engagement, build public trust, and ensure that the Community speaks with one coherent and compelling voice.

“Recognising the rapidly evolving communication landscape and the growing influence of digital technologies, artificial intelligence and data-driven engagement, the ECOWAS Commission, through its Communications Directorate, has developed a comprehensive Communication Strategy for 2026–2030 alongside a revised Information and Communication Policy for ECOWAS Institutions. The successful finalisation of the two documents   represents a critical and final milestone in this process,” TOURAY stated.

Dr TOURAY further commended the Communications Directorate, participants and partners for their dedication and professionalism in the development and finalisation  of the documents.

With the successful finalisation  of these two strategic documents, ECOWAS has taken a decisive step toward strengthening institutional coherence and amplifying the Community’s voice across the region and beyond.