The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched Guinea’s National Platform under the ECOWAS Regional Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme.

The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Free Movement of Persons, Migration and Tourism, held the launch meeting in Conakry on 22 October 2026. Stakeholders discussed how the platform should be established and made operational, as well as the responsibilities of participating actors.

The meeting also considered practical projects intended to support communities in border regions. It provided an opportunity to advance the signing of Framework Cooperation Agreements between the ECOWAS Commission and its Member States, although it was not stated whether an agreement with Guinea was signed during the meeting.

Regional programme

The Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme is a multisectoral initiative designed to strengthen social cohesion, regional integration and sustainable development in border areas. It works with communities, national institutions and local actors to deepen cooperation among neighbouring populations, states and local markets.

The programme also provides technical and financial support for local socioeconomic development initiatives. Its areas of work include capacity-building, training, public information, migration management, free movement and regional security.

Support to regional, national and local actors is intended to reinforce institutional arrangements, legal frameworks and coordination across sectors. Through the National Platforms, ECOWAS and Member States are expected to work with local actors to turn shared priorities into coordinated action.

First-phase platforms

During the programme’s first phase, National Platforms were launched in 12 ECOWAS Member States: Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

Each of the 12 countries subsequently received a grant of US$100,000 to support the implementation of cross-border projects. The verified information does not specify which projects were selected or approved at the Conakry meeting.

Mariama Bailo-Barry, Director of Cabinet of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Guineans Established Abroad, said Guinea was interested in accessing a platform that could help it benefit from existing opportunities and strengthen cooperation.

Albert Siaw-Boateng, Director of Free Movement of Persons, Migration and Tourism, speaking on behalf of ECOWAS Commission President General Birame Diop, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to making cross-border cooperation a means of supporting lasting peace and shared prosperity.