The Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) is set to begin the operationalisation of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOC), an initiative aimed at creating a formal platform for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to participate actively in decision-making processes across the sub-region.

The move is expected to deepen stakeholder engagement and allow civil society groups to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development and democratic governance of West Africa.

ECOSOC was conceived as part of a broader vision to strengthen regional integration by giving civil society institutions a voice in shaping policies and programmes within the regional bloc.

The framework is intended to enable CSOs to partner with governments in promoting development, democracy and good governance across the continent.

As part of efforts to advance the initiative, the ECOWAS Commission convened a final regional meeting of experts and Ministers in Accra to deliberate on the operationalisation of the proposed ECOWAS-ECOSOC structure.

Opening the three-day meeting, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the ECOWAS Commission, Abdel‑Fatau Musah, stressed the need for stronger regional cohesion and integration, particularly at a time when West Africa continues to confront evolving political, peace and security challenges.

He noted that the region is dealing with complex issues, including terrorism and violent extremism, political transitions, and growing socio-economic pressures.

Dr. Musah also acknowledged the impact of the recent withdrawal of three member states—Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger—from the regional bloc, describing the situation as unprecedented.

Despite these developments, he said the ECOWAS region continues to face multiple challenges, including constitutional reversals, military coups, maritime insecurity, food and energy vulnerabilities, as well as the growing effects of climate change.

According to him, the global geopolitical landscape is also shifting, with renewed competition for influence and evolving partnerships that are reshaping patterns of international cooperation.

The meeting in Accra is expected to review and validate the proposed institutional and legal framework for ECOSOC.

Once approved, the framework will be submitted to key ECOWAS organs, including the Administration and Finance Committee, the ECOWAS Parliament and the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.

The final proposal will ultimately be presented to the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS for consideration and approval.