The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially launched the National Platforms for the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme (ECBCSP 2023-2027) in Liberia and Sierra Leone, marking another milestone in the regional body’s efforts to improve the lives of citizens living in border areas.
The launch events, which took place in Monrovia on April 29th and in Freetown on May 2nd, were attended by high-level government officials and representatives from the ECOWAS Commission.
Speaking at the launch in Monrovia, the Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission in Liberia, Amb. Josephine Nkrumah, stated that the initiative will kick-start robust implementation of cross-border cooperation between Liberia and its neighboring states.
Similarly, in Freetown, the Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission in Sierra Leone, Amb. Harouna Moussa, highlighted the key role of civil society organizations, state, and non-state actors in ensuring development at the local level.
The ECBCSP is a multi-sectoral development program that aims to promote social cohesion, regional integration, and sustainable development in border communities across West Africa.
Prior to the launch in Liberia and Sierra Leone, nine other ECOWAS member states had already established their National Platforms and received a grant of $100,000 each from the ECOWAS Commission to implement quick-win projects in their border areas.
Following the launch events, Liberia and Sierra Leone will also receive a $100,000 grant from the ECOWAS Commission to facilitate the implementation of cross-border projects endorsed by their respective national platforms.
“This initiative is a testament to ECOWAS’s commitment to enhancing the lives of citizens living in border regions,” said the Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration of Liberia, Honourable Ibrahim Nyei, who officially launched the National Platform in his country.
In Sierra Leone, the National Platform was launched by the Minister for Planning, Economic Development and Integration, represented by the Development Secretary, Mr. Peter Sam-Kpakra.
The ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme is expected to contribute to the overall socio-economic development and integration of the West African region.
