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As Sierra Leone hosts the 2026 ECOWAS Summit, discussions have largely focused on regional diplomacy and institutional reform.
However, an Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) lecturer, Dr. Victor Moinina, has called for greater emphasis on practical outcomes that directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
According to Dr. Moinina, regional integration should be measured not only by agreements reached at high-level meetings but also by tangible improvements in people’s daily lives. He said integration becomes meaningful when it lowers the cost of doing business, reduces travel time, improves access to electricity and healthcare, and creates sustainable employment opportunities.
He noted that the ECOWAS protocol on the free movement of people and goods can only deliver its intended benefits if border procedures are efficient, transport corridors are safe and well maintained, and small-scale traders can conduct cross-border business without unnecessary fees or harassment.
Dr. Moinina argued that governments should assess the success of regional integration through measurable indicators such as shorter border clearance times, increased cross-border trade, and reduced prices of essential commodities supported by regional supply chains.
Speaking on public investment, he stressed the need for greater transparency, community participation, and effective maintenance planning. According to him, citizens should be able to monitor project budgets and implementation timelines, while local communities should be actively involved in selecting and overseeing development projects.
He further stated that infrastructure projects such as roads, markets, and electricity networks are more likely to deliver long-term benefits when they are developed with community input and supported by dedicated maintenance funding.
Dr. Moinina also emphasised the importance of strengthening local governance alongside ECOWAS institutions. He said local councils play a vital role in implementing regional policies by managing markets, enforcing standards, and maintaining feeder roads. Investing in local administrative capacity through training, digital systems, and predictable financial transfers, he argued, would enhance the impact of regional agreements.
While acknowledging the significance of long-term goals such as a single ECOWAS currency, Dr. Moinina urged leaders to prioritise practical reforms that can produce immediate economic benefits. He identified harmonised customs procedures, regional energy interconnections, pooled procurement, and the mutual recognition of professional qualifications as measures that could reduce transaction costs, improve labour mobility, and strengthen regional trade.
Looking ahead, he said Sierra Leone has an opportunity to ensure that the 2026 ECOWAS Summit leaves a lasting legacy by promoting pilot projects in transport, energy, and digital trade, supported by clear performance targets and transparent implementation mechanisms. He also encouraged greater participation by civil society organisations, traders’ associations, and local government representatives to ensure regional policies reflect the realities faced by communities.
Dr. Moinina concluded that the success of regional integration will ultimately depend on practical implementation rather than declarations alone.
He expressed hope that the summit would prioritise transparency, accountability, and local capacity, enabling ECOWAS initiatives to deliver measurable improvements for families, businesses, and communities across West Africa.
