ECA deepens engagement with West African ambassadors ahead of ICSOE 2025

Niamey, Niger, 5 November 2025 (ECA) - The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), through its Subregional Office for West Africa, held a high-level dialogue with ambassadors from the subregion accredited to Niger on 28 October in Niamey.

Convened in preparation for the 28th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts (ICSOE) for West Africa, the meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration between ECA and West African diplomatic missions and encourage their active participation in the upcoming session.

The dialogue focused on aligning ECA's support with national development priorities and deepening cooperation on shared policy goals. It also served as a platform to present the Office's ongoing initiatives in areas such as implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), harnessing the demographic dividend, promoting climate resilience, macro-fiscal stability, and domestic resource mobilization.

The 28th ICSOE session will be held under the theme "Leveraging digital technology to enhance domestic resource mobilization in West Africa."

In her remarks, Ngone Diop, Director of ECA's Subregional Office for West Africa, reaffirmed that development leadership rests primarily with member States, while ECA's role is to provide technical and strategic support.
"We are here to serve you. We want to listen and be guided by your priorities," said Ms Diop, underscoring ECA's commitment to delivering tailored assistance aligned with national agendas.

She also invited participants to reflect on the global "Beyond GDP" initiative, calling for a broader approach to measuring progress.
"It is time to move beyond GDP and adopt a more holistic framework that captures well-being, sustainability, equity, and inclusion," added Ms Diop.

Ambassadors welcomed the exchange and encouraged ECA to institutionalize such dialogues.
"This meeting allowed us to better understand ECA's work and its support to our countries," said Abdou Diallo, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to Niger.

Mouhamadou Sarr, Ambassador of Senegal to Niger, emphasized the meeting's relevance in a context marked by regional and global challenges.
"It provides an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation among our States and promote concerted action to combat terrorism, ensure border security, and boost economic exchanges," said Mr Sarr.

Maimuna Betso, representing Nigeria, highlighted the importance of expanding ECA's engagement with young people and women in peacebuilding and governance.

The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment to reinforce collaboration between ECA and West African member States. Insights from the discussions will feed into the 28th ICSOE session, scheduled for 5-6 November 2025.

Issued by:Communications SectionEconomic Commission for AfricaPO Box 3001Addis AbabaEthiopiaTel: +251 11 551 5826E-mail: [email protected]