West Africa’s regional lawmakers are celebrating a major milestone as the ECOWAS Parliament rolls out a year-long programme across several member states to mark 25 years of service.
The celebrations, announced in Abuja, will run from January to November and span seven countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cabo Verde, Togo and Sierra Leone.
Speaker of the parliament, Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, said the multi-country programme aims to highlight the institution’s impact while bringing it closer to the people it represents.
Established on Nov. 16, 2000 in Bamako, the parliament has spent the past 25 years promoting democratic governance, regional trade, youth participation and women’s inclusion across West Africa.
Organisers say the anniversary activities will include business forums, youth innovation competitions, civic engagement campaigns and cultural festivals celebrating West Africa’s shared identity.
The programme will also spotlight opportunities under key regional initiatives such as the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol and the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme.
Events will take place across several cities in the region before wrapping up with a grand closing ceremony in Abuja in November.
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