The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have formalised a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost macroeconomic governance, policy coordination, and regional integration across West Africa.

Signed at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, the agreement establishes a structured framework for enhanced cooperation in policy alignment, multilateral surveillance, and integration initiatives.

The partnership comes as ECOWAS steps up efforts to strengthen its Multilateral Surveillance Mechanism, accelerate convergence towards the ECOWAS Monetary Union, and support Member States facing global shocks, rising debt vulnerabilities, climate risks, and food insecurity.

At the signing, ECOWAS Commission President H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray described the MoU as a milestone for regional economic stability and integration. He highlighted its role in improving institutional capacity, harmonising policies among Member States, and reinforcing ECOWAS’ role in economic governance.

IMF Africa West Constituency Executive Director Ouattara Wautabouna reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS through sustained policy dialogue and technical assistance, focusing on fiscal management, debt sustainability, statistical systems, and economic resilience.

The MoU provides a practical framework for joint research, knowledge sharing, and policy coordination. It is expected to strengthen policy coherence across the region, support evidence-based decisions, and amplify West Africa’s voice in global economic governance.

Senior officials from both institutions attended the ceremony, including ECOWAS Commissioners, directors, and IMF advisers, underscoring the high-level commitment to this partnership.

The collaboration aims to deliver tangible outcomes, including stronger governance frameworks, improved resilience to external shocks, and inclusive, sustainable growth across ECOWAS Member States.

–ChannelAfrica/ECOWAS–