ECOWAS: One Step Forward... 50 Years Late!

In May, 1975, in Lagos, Nigeria, 15 African nations came together and signed a treaty that would transform them into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The treaty was created to facilitate economic and political integration between these nations, but in the 5 decades that the organization has been in existence, it has yet to achieve this dream.

A 25% slash in airfare between member states in 2025 is commendable, but after 50 years, reveals more about just how much ECOWAS has failed to achieve than anything else.

And if ECOWAS is to survive as an unstoppable wave of political and economic liberation continues to sweep across the African continent and its diaspora, it must begin serving the interests of Africa, rather than the foreign interests it currently, clearly serves.