Olivier Walther, University of Florida The membership of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has been whittled down from 15 to 12 following the unilateral withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso in February. Founded in 1975, Ecowas is one of eight regional economic communities recognised by the African Union to foster regional integration on the continent. Its ...

Nicholas Westcott, SOAS, University of London On 27 January 2024, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger announced their plan to withdraw from membership of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), despite repeated efforts at reconciliation. Diplomacy scholar Nicholas Westcott explains how the decision may be the latest symptom of a deepening crisis in the Sahel, the area south of ...

As part of its efforts towards transforming Nigeria’s power and energy sector, the Federal Government has laid the foundation for the establishment of the first solar cell production factory in West Africa. The landmark achievement which places Nigeria among countries adopting alternative energy sources, will also transform Nigeria’s power and energy sector and boost the local economy. This was stated ...

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN and his Tanzanian counterpart Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango are united in their views regarding a just energy transition as the global community moves towards a net-zero emissions target and the need for greater international collaboration in deterring unconstitutional changes of government in Africa. These are some of the issues discussed by both leaders at a ...

ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development headquarters in Lome. Willem Heerbaart/Wikimedia Commons Michael E Odijie, University of Cambridge A free trade agreement, in its most basic sense, is an attempt by existing industries to find new markets. Their need to do this arises from industrialisation – that is, the process of developing sectors that attract high levels of protection in ...

The second phase of Ghana’s post-colonial history – from 1981 – is intensely controversial, centering on Jerry Rawlings himself. Jerry John Rawlings Facebook Jeffrey Haynes, London Metropolitan University Twenty years after he left political office, probably nothing divides Ghanaians more than their opinions regarding Flight-Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings who has died. His lingering political influence on Ghana may be second ...