The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, has announced that West Africa is aiming for 5% economic growth in 2026, building on a solid performance in the previous year.
Speaking during a meeting with partners on Thursday, Touray highlighted that the region recorded 4.6% growth in 2025, surpassing the African continental average despite global economic challenges.
“The annual report, which you will all receive soon, shows that while global growth slowed in 2025 and inflation has only eased moderately, uncertainty remains high,” Touray said. “Yet, Africa continues to show remarkable resilience. Growth is recovering, inflation is gradually declining, and political stability has improved in several regions. Our own West African community mirrors this resilience.”
The ECOWAS president credited the region’s performance to a combination of structural reforms and targeted investments by member states. “This robust growth stems from reforms across various sectors, increased investment in mining and energy, improved regional trade facilitation, and a strong rebound in services, transport, and tourism,” he explained.
Touray acknowledged that inflation remains elevated in some areas but noted that coordinated monetary policies and improved food supply conditions have contributed to noticeable declines. “Fiscal deficits have narrowed as governments strengthened revenue collection and rationalized public spending. Our debt-to-GDP ratio has modestly declined, reflecting strong growth and sound macroeconomic management. The regional current account surplus has also strengthened, supported by high export earnings from oil, gold, and bauxite, along with improved primary income balances.”
The ECOWAS Commission also emphasized its efforts to address insecurity across the region. Touray revealed that the body intensified preventive diplomacy, mediation, and democratic support in 2025, while making progress in combating organized crime and terrorism.
With these measures in place, ECOWAS is positioning West Africa for sustained growth and resilience, aiming to meet the ambitious 5% target in 2026 while strengthening the region’s economic and political stability.
