ECOWAS Commemorates 50th Anniversary in Lagos

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrated its 50th anniversary in May 2025.

About ECOWAS

• Establishment: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was established on 28 May 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria.
• Objective: To promote economic and political integration among West African states.
• Members: Initially composed of 15 West African countries.
• Recent Changes: In January 2025, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso formally exited ECOWAS after being suspended due to military coups.
• Headquarters: Located in Abuja, Nigeria.

India–ECOWAS Relations:

• Observer Status: India was granted observer status in 2004.
• Economic Engagement:
  • India maintains strong bilateral and multilateral ties with African nations.
  • In 2006, India extended a $250 million Line of Credit (LoC) to ECOWAS.
• India’s involvement focuses on economic cooperation, capacity building, and developmental assistance.