The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has launched national platforms in Liberia and Sierra Leone for the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme (ECBCSP 2023-2027).

The launches, held in Monrovia on April 29th and Freetown on May 2nd, aim to improve the lives of citizens in border areas by promoting regional integration and development.

Liberia and Sierra Leone join nine other ECOWAS members who launched their National Platforms in 2023. These countries – Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo – have already received $100,000 grants to support quick-impact projects in their border communities.

Speaking at the Freetown launch, ECOWAS Resident Representative Amb. Harouna Moussa emphasized the crucial role of civil society organizations, government agencies, and private actors in driving local development across various sectors.

The ECOWAS team presented a detailed overview of the ECBCSP, covering its goals, operational structure, and funding mechanisms.

Liberia’s Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Honourable Ibrahim Nyei, officially launched the Liberian National Platform. Similarly, Sierra Leone’s Development Secretary, Mr. Peter Sam-Kpakra, represented the Minister for Planning, Economic Development and Integration at the launch in Freetown.

Following these launches, ECOWAS will provide each country with a $100,000 grant to support cross-border projects identified and approved by their National Platforms.

The ECBCSP is a multi-sectoral development program that collaborates with border communities to foster social cohesion, regional integration, and sustainable development.