ECOWAS Vision 2020 Project

(ECOWAS)--West African long-term development plan: ECOWAS is inviting participation and inputs of Community citizens towards a democratic and prosperous community.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is preparing a long-term strategic plan to guide development in its 15 member states. Dubbed ECOWAS Vision 2020 Project, this initiative seeks to provide a reference point for an integrated development approach for the West Africa region. After decades spent on resolution of several political and social conflicts, ECOWAS wishes the region to focus attention on core economic development issues by improving significantly upon the good economic performance and relative regional peace in recent years.

While some measure of economic development has been achieved, it is clear that not only does West Africa remain poor and undeveloped, but regional integration is not at the centre of the national development agenda; the potential of regionalism has not been properly explored and utilised. The development of the region requires much more attention and effort from policy makers and from all West Africans than has been forthcoming in the past.

Given the development challenges that continue to face West Africa, one of the poorest regions in a rapidly globalising economy, it is imperative that West Africans and everyone concerned about their welfare should be reflecting on how to achieve a just, peaceful and prosperous West African community.

A team of consultants has been working to complement the efforts of the ECOWAS Commission on this initiative. A draft outline of the strategic plan is to be disseminated broadly to enable as many people as possible get involved in designing the future and working toward the realisation of that regional vision.

As part of this all-important project, a website (http://www.ecowasvision2020.org) has been created to give both Community citizens and all other stakeholders the opportunity to contribute to the needed reflection. What dream do you nurse for the future of the region? What needs to change and what needs to be done for that dream you have to become a reality?

Contributions are welcome, particularly on the following five pillars:
a. Agriculture
b. Women, Children and Youth
c. Private Sector
d. Infrastructure
e. Governance

The project website (http://www.ecowasvision2020.org) will remain open, as a rallying point to gather all contributions made to formulate a shared Vision 2020, and also a platform for reviewing and improving upon drafts that may issue from the exercise.

You are kindly invited to reflect on the future of West Africa and to offer your views and suggestions for achieving a more desirable and cohesive regional entity. Contributions received within the next three weeks would be particularly appreciated.



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