About The Summit
A defining moment for West African unity
In July 2026, Sierra Leone proudly takes its place at the heart of regional diplomacy as it hosts the 69th Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The Summit will bring together Heads of State and Government, ministers, senior government officials, diplomats, development partners, and regional stakeholders from across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to deliberate on the region’s most pressing priorities, including peace and security, economic integration, democratic governance, trade, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
As Chair of ECOWAS, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio will welcome leaders from the fifteen Member States to advance a shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated West Africa.
What leaders will deliberate
Peace & Security
Strengthening regional stability, conflict prevention, and the collective security architecture of the Community.
Economic Integration & Trade
Advancing free movement of persons and goods, trade facilitation, and deeper market integration across Member States.
Democratic Governance
Reaffirming the Community's commitment to democracy, constitutional order, and the rule of law.
Infrastructure
Regional connectivity, energy interconnectivity, and world-class institutions — including the new ECOWAS facilities at Lungi.
Sustainable Development
Inclusive growth and resilience for over 400 million citizens across West Africa.
Compact for the Future
A strategic dialogue on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the Compact for the Future agenda.
Fifty One years of West African Integration
The Heads of State and Government of fifteen West African Countries established the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) when they signed the ECOWAS Treaty on the 28th of May 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Treaty of Lagos was signed by the 15 Heads of State and government of Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sénégal and Togo, with its stated mission to promote economic integration across the region. The Senegalese President was represented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Cabo Verde joined the union in 1977. The only Arabic-speaking Member Mauritania withdrew in December 2000. Mauritania recently signed a new associate-membership agreement in August 2017. On January 29, 2025, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger officially withdrew from ECOWAS.
The current Member States of ECOWAS are Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sénégal and Togo.
