ECOWAS Advances Statistical Policy for Regional Integration

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission held a meeting in Dakar, Senegal, with Directors-General of the National Statistical Institutes from member states to advance the implementation of the ECOWAS Statistical Policy. This policy aims to strengthen the harmonization of national statistical systems and improve the production of reliable, comparable, and timely data for evidence-based policymaking and regional integration.

The meeting reviewed progress on the Regional Statistical Programme (2023–2027) and assessed various methodological documents to enhance the quality and comparability of official statistics. Approved documents included guides on the Industrial Production Index, Business Register, and Public Debt Statistics.

The meeting also focused on regional statistical modernization projects and the integration of innovative data sources. Dr. Kaliou Sylla, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, emphasized the importance of data for sovereignty and economic transformation.

Recommendations included adopting validated guidelines and strengthening capacity building for national statistical systems.