ECOWAS and GIZ Begin Rollout of 2026–2031 Communication Framework
ECOWAS and GIZ have launched a workshop in Accra to put the bloc’s 2026–2031 communication policy and strategy into coordinated action.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) began a workshop in Accra, Ghana, on 12 October 2026 to advance implementation of the bloc’s communication framework for 2026–2031.
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The meeting brings together communication officers from ECOWAS institutions and specialised agencies. It is focused on strengthening cooperation, aligning institutional messaging and translating the newly adopted Inter-Institutional Communication Strategy and Institutions Information and Communication Policy into practical measures.
Focus on coordinated communication
The workshop is intended to support stronger collaboration across ECOWAS bodies, improve consistency in public communication and increase the visibility and impact of regional programmes and initiatives.
Participants are expected to review communication achievements and lessons from 2026, exchange institutional priorities for 2027 and consider ways to coordinate and amplify planned activities. The organisers also intend the workshop to help participants address shared communication challenges, exchange experiences and identify practical responses.
Joel AHOFODJI, Director of Communication at the ECOWAS Commission, said communication has strategic importance for advancing regional integration and bringing ECOWAS closer to its citizens. He described the workshop as an important move from adoption of the policy and strategy to their effective implementation.
Responding to a changing information environment
Lilian Seffer, representing GIZ, said communication is central to the transition from an “ECOWAS of States” to an “ECOWAS of Peoples”. She said effective communication is needed to build citizens’ understanding of, trust in and engagement with the regional integration process.
Seffer also reaffirmed GIZ’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS as it implements the new policy and strategy. The initiative reflects cooperation between ECOWAS and the Federal Republic of Germany through GIZ.
Ambassador Mohammed Lawan GANA, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, conveyed a message from H.E. General Birame DIOP, President of the ECOWAS Commission.
GANA highlighted the way technological developments, including artificial intelligence, are rapidly changing the information landscape. According to the message, these changes are creating challenges that extend to peace, security and regional stability.
He emphasised the importance of clearly defined roles and responsibilities, closer collaboration and coherent communication among ECOWAS institutions in responding to emerging information challenges.
Supporting regional integration
The workshop forms part of wider efforts to support regional integration and the objectives of ECOWAS Vision 2050. Through the communication framework, ECOWAS and GIZ aim to improve coordination among the bloc’s institutions and specialised agencies while strengthening engagement with citizens.
The workshop’s expected work on institutional priorities and coordinated activities for 2027 is intended to help turn the policy and strategy into actions across the ECOWAS system.
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