CHIEF MINISTER OUTLINES MAJOR ECOWAS DECISIONS ON ATLANTIC GAS PIPELINE AND 2027 ECO-CURRENCY

By Desmond Isaac Macauley
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has highlighted two of the most significant outcomes of the recent ECOWAS Summit, describing the proposed African Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the planned introduction of the ECOWAS single currency, ECO, as landmark initiatives that could reshape regional integration and economic development across West Africa.
Speaking on the outcomes of the summit, Dr. Sengeh explained that ECOWAS member states signed an intergovernmental agreement relating to the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline. He said the project will extend the existing West African Gas Pipeline from Nigeria through Benin, Togo and Ghana, before continuing through Sierra Leone, Mauritania and eventually reaching Morocco. According to him, the initiative is expected to strengthen regional energy security, expand access to gas and promote industrial growth across participating countries.
The Chief Minister noted that the gas pipeline represents a major step toward achieving ECOWAS Vision 2050, which prioritizes regional transformation through energy cooperation, infrastructure development and economic integration. He said the project reflects the commitment of member states to work collectively in unlocking investment opportunities and accelerating sustainable development throughout West Africa.
Dr. Sengeh also addressed the long-discussed ECOWAS single currency, known as ECO, stating that regional leaders reaffirmed their commitment to its implementation. However, he disclosed that a ministerial report presented at the summit concluded that at least five member states are not yet prepared to meet the convergence requirements necessary for the currency’s full rollout.
According to the Chief Minister, while ECOWAS remains committed to introducing the ECO currency, leaders acknowledged the need for further economic reforms before implementation.
He said discussions at the summit pointed toward a gradual approach beginning in 2027, allowing member states additional time to meet the agreed fiscal and monetary benchmarks required for a successful monetary union.
Dr. Sengeh emphasized that the decisions reached at the summit demonstrate ECOWAS’ determination to deepen regional integration through strategic infrastructure and economic cooperation.
He said both the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline and the planned ECO currency have the potential to transform trade, energy access and economic stability across West Africa, while positioning Sierra Leone as an important partner in the region’s long term development agenda.