From 18 to 20 June 2025, the Afrikajom Centre, in collaboration with West African civil society, will organize a conference in Dakar, Senegal, on the theme: “ECOWAS at 50: Change or Perish – For a Renaissance of Regional Integration.”

This major regional conference will bring together Member States, civil society, academics, the media, and the private sector to exchange ideas and perspectives. Discussions will focus on the future of West African integration in light of contemporary challenges. Participants will engage in in-depth analyses of current issues and work toward developing a roadmap for a renewed ECOWAS – one that is more citizen-focused and better equipped to address the challenges of the 21st century.

The meeting, organised by the Afrikajom Centre, will bring together more than 50 experts and leading regional stakeholders. Discussions will centre on four key thematic areas:

• Governance and institutional reforms
• Regional security and crisis response
• Economic integration and sustainable development
• Digital innovation and transformation

Created half a century ago to promote economic integration in West Africa, ECOWAS now stands at a crossroads. Amid growing security threats, political tensions and socio-economic shifts, the Organisation must undergo a fundamental transformation to remain relevant, effective and most importantly, responsive to the needs of the region and its citizens.

The situation is clear: ECOWAS must undergo radical reform or risk losing its legitimacy. The Afrikajom Centre is calling for a fundamental refoundation of the organisation, anchored in three core pillars: participatory democracy, social justice and collective sovereignty.

This initiative is part of the Afrikajom Centre’s broader mission to promote inclusive and democratic regional governance. The ultimate goal is to catalyse a profound transformation of ECOWAS, shaping it into a truly people-centred institution that reflects the aspirations and needs of West African citizens.

The need for a strategic alliance for ECOWAS reform

By actively participating in this initiative alongside the Afrikajom Centre, the pan-African network, AfricTivistes, reaffirms its steadfast commitment to democracy, good governance and human rights – values that are fully aligned with the founding mission of ECOWAS.

Over the past decade, AfricTivistes has played a pivotal role in strengthening democracy across the continent. Its work includes citizen-led monitoring initiatives, capacity-building for civil society organisations, combating disinformation and digital censorship and promoting civic technologies to foster inclusive and participatory governance.

Its participation in election observation, conflict prevention and civic mobilisation, particularly among young people, aligns with the objectives of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, while also strengthening regional cooperation through citizen-driven transnational initiatives.

The commemoration of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary is thus seen as a pivotal moment, an opportunity to usher in a new era of integration that is more equitable, inclusive and firmly grounded in the social, political, and economic realities of West Africa.

After all, to change is to survive. To rebuild is to shape the region’s future, together.

Press contacts and information: Afrikajom.center@gmail.com