The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a new Digital Ecosystem for the ECOWAS Centre for Gender Development (CCDG), marking a major step toward improving regional data management and collaboration on gender equality.
The unveiling took place during a five-day regional capacity-building workshop holding from 24 to 28 November 2025 in Saly, Senegal.
The workshop, convened under the supervision of the ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, brought together gender experts, national focal points, technical staff of the ECOWAS Commission, and representatives of partner organisations.
The newly launched CCDG Digital Ecosystem comprises five interconnected platforms: the CCDG website, the ECOWAS Gender Equality Observatory (ECOGO), a virtual workspace, an artificial-intelligence–powered support system and the CCDG web security command centre.
According to officials, the digital system is designed to simplify real-time data collection, improve reporting consistency across Member States, and strengthen joint action on gender initiatives throughout the region.
By the end of the workshop, the Digital Ecosystem is expected to become fully institutionalised, enabling ECOWAS Member States and the Commission to use the platforms for more accurate monitoring, evidence-based policymaking, and more effective coordination of gender-related programmes.
Participants included CCDG Gender Focal Points from all ECOWAS Member States, personnel from ECOWAS institutions and agencies, national teams of the “50 Million African Women Speak” initiative, members of the Community of Practice on Gender and Climate Change, civil society organisations, development partners, and media representatives.
Facilitators emphasised that the launch is not only a technological advancement but also a strategic investment in strengthening gender governance across West Africa.
The Economic Community of West African States was established in 1975 with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos by 15 West African Heads of State and Government, with the goal of promoting economic integration and cooperation across the region. Cabo Verde joined in 1977, while Mauritania—initially a founding member—withdrew in 2000 and later signed an associate membership agreement in 2017.
On 29 January 2025, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formally exited the bloc.
Current ECOWAS Member States include: Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo.
Recognised as one of the building blocks of the African Economic Community, ECOWAS aims to promote collective self-sufficiency, strengthen trade integration, and eliminate barriers to regional unity. Its work spans multiple sectors including industry, transport, telecommunications, agriculture, energy, natural resources, finance, and social development.
The ECOWAS Secretariat was restructured into a Commission in 2007, headed by a President and supported by a Vice President, Commissioners, and an Auditor-General. The organisation’s budget is sustained largely through the Community Levy—a 0.5% charge on imports from non-ECOWAS countries.
Ongoing reforms and programmes are geared toward achieving ECOWAS’ long-term transformation agenda: transitioning from an “ECOWAS of States” to an “ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity for All” by 2050.
