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November 21–22, 2024: Consultative Meeting on the Update of the ECOWAS Regional Infrastructure Master Plan

Experts from ECOWAS member states, the ECOWAS Commission, the PPDU, the BIDC, the WAPP, the CGRE, the OMVS, and the OMVG will meet on November 21–22, 2024, in Accra (Ghana) to review completed infrastructure projects and discuss the procedures and process for updating the ECOWAS Regional Infrastructure Master Plan in 2025.

Indeed, by approving the Regional Infrastructure Master Plan at its60th Summit in December 2021, the Conference of Heads of State requested that the ECOWAS Commission ensure the periodic review and updating of the Master Plan to take into account emerging priorities.  The consultation process with regional stakeholders will ensure coherence and synergy with the various national plans and sectoral plans of regional organizations (OMVS, OMVG, WAPP, ECREEE, CGRE, etc.). Thus, the ECOWAS Regional Infrastructure Master Plan will be strengthened as the authoritative strategic framework for infrastructure development in the ECOWAS region.

This meeting is organized by the ECOWAS Project Preparation and Development Unit (PPDU). The opening ceremony featured three (3) introductory remarks, namely:

  • Remarks by the Honorable ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization, Mr. SEDIKO DOUKA, delivered by the Acting Director of the PPDU, Mr. KEBBA FYE
  • Remarks by His Excellency the Vice President of the BIDC, Mr. Olagunju M. Olalekan ASHIMOLOWO
  • The opening remarks by His Excellency the Minister of Roads and Highways of Ghana, delivered by the Director of Policy Planning and Budget, Ms. Rita OHENE SARFOH.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Rita OHENE SARFOH highlighted the importance of regional infrastructure and welcomed the progress made on certain projects, such as the Abidjan-Lagos corridor project. She emphasized the adoption of innovative financing mechanisms (green, climate, and private financing) and the integration of social, environmental, and gender considerations into ECOWAS infrastructure projects. She called on participants to foster unity of action among various stakeholders and to formulate relevant recommendations to facilitate the updating of the regional infrastructure master plan.